7 Homemade Christmas Cookie Recipe
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies to fill your home with Christmas cheer. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting treats to loved ones, or simply indulging in festive flavors, homemade Christmas cookies are a must-have.
Here are seven delightful recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to bring holiday joy.
1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Why They’re Great: Perfect for decorating with kids or adding a personal touch to your holiday platter.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Decorate with icing or sprinkles once cooled.
2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Why They’re Great: These soft, fudgy cookies with powdered sugar “snow” are a winter wonderland in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients. Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- Roll into 1-inch balls, coat with powdered sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
3. Gingerbread Cookies
Why They’re Great: These spiced cookies are the heart of Christmas, perfect for decorating or building gingerbread houses.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. Cream butter and sugar in another, then add egg and molasses. Combine with dry ingredients.
- Roll dough out and use gingerbread-shaped cutters.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Cool before decorating.
4. Thumbprint Cookies with Jam
Why They’re Great: A simple yet elegant treat filled with fruity goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup jam (any flavor)
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, then add vanilla. Stir in flour until dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheet, and press your thumb into each to create a well.
- Fill wells with jam and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
5. Peppermint Bark Cookies
Why They’re Great: A combination of chocolate and mint, these cookies are perfect for gifting or indulging.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Crushed candy canes and melted chocolate (for topping)
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg and peppermint extract, and mix in dry ingredients.
- Roll out dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
6. Snickerdoodles
Why They’re Great: A cinnamon-sugar coating gives these soft cookies a warm, holiday feel.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in eggs. Add dry ingredients to form dough.
- Roll into balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar mix, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
7. Shortbread Cookies
Why They’re Great: Buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these are a holiday classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, then add vanilla. Mix in flour until dough forms.
- Roll dough out and cut into festive shapes.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Cookie Tips!
- Make It a Party: Host a cookie-decorating get-together with friends or family.
- Gift with Love: Pack cookies in festive tins or bags as thoughtful gifts.
- Mix and Match: Bake multiple recipes for a colorful, delicious cookie platter.
With these recipes, your home will smell amazing, and your loved ones will be full of holiday cheer. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
