Deliciously Merry: Festive Cookie Extravaganza!
- by WONDERMOM
- Dec. 12, 2023
Welcome to the magical world of festive cookies, where the aroma of freshly baked treats fills the air, and every bite is a moment of holiday bliss. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventure, these delightful cookie recipes are sure to add an extra dose of sweetness to your holiday season. So, let's dive into the joy of baking and create delicious memories together!
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
2. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
3. Almond Snowball Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract until fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Stir in chopped almonds.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and let them cool completely.
4. Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Shape the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then press a peppermint candy into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
5. Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Stir in lemon zest.
- Shape the dough into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Slice the dough into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Have a Cookie-Filled Holiday!
There you have it – five irresistible cookie recipes to make your holidays sweet and memorable. Whether you opt for the classic gingerbread, the festive white chocolate cranberry, the almond snowball delights, the chocolate peppermint thumbprints, or the zesty lemon glazed shortbreads – the choice is yours! Get ready to fill your home with the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies and spread joy with every delightful bite.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these scrumptious treats!