Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe

These festive and delicious cookies are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Decorate them with colorful icing or sprinkles to bring holiday cheer!

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
• For Decoration:
  • Assorted sprinkles, colored sugar, or candy pearls
  • Royal icing or store-bought cookie icing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
   • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough:
   • Divide the dough in half and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
4. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch (6 mm) thickness.
   • Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate:
   • Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or other toppings as desired. Let the decorations set before serving or storing.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Boost: Add ½ tsp almond extract or 1 tsp cinnamon for a twist.
• Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Make It Festive: Use red, green, and white icing for classic Christmas colors.