Delightful Holiday Cookies for Joyful Celebrations

What You’ll Need

Here’s a straightforward, family-friendly list to gather your ingredients for delicious Holiday Cookies.

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – For the best Holiday Cookies, I recommend using a well-sifted, good-quality flour to keep the texture light.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – My family prefers using unsalted butter; it allows better control over the salt level in Holiday Cookies.
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure vanilla adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat in Holiday Cookies.
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

You’ll find everything for this Holiday Cookies recipe at your regular grocery store. If you’re short on butter, you can swap half with vegetable shortening for a slightly different texture that some folks like. The flour can also be partly substituted with whole wheat if you want a nuttier flavor, but I find that sticks best for those classic soft Holiday Cookies everyone loves.

For a quick prep tip, let the butter soften at room temperature before you start. This makes mixing smoother and helps your Holiday Cookies spread just enough while baking. Also, set out the egg on the counter so it’s not cold when you add it—that gentle technique makes all the difference in the final dough.

If you’re looking for some inspiration as you gather supplies, here’s a link to strawberry crunch cookies with some festive cookie recipes that work well alongside Holiday Cookies, giving you a fresh flavor twist to try.

How to Make It

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This Holiday Cookies baked at this temperature come out soft but firm enough to hold their shape during decorating.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Getting these dry ingredients mixed well early helps spread flavor evenly through your Holiday Cookies.
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light in color. This step is key for Holiday Cookies that melt in your mouth.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. Your kitchen will start smelling like the holidays already—trust me, that smell is part of the joy!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended. Don’t overwork the dough or your Holiday Cookies might get tough.
6. Roll the dough into balls about one inch in size and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. This Holiday Cookies recipe usually makes about 3 dozen, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
7. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand, then sprinkle with colored sugar or festive sprinkles if you want. Cookie decorating is where the fun really starts—my kids love this part!
8. Bake the Holiday Cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges just start to turn golden, but the centers look soft—they firm up as they cool.
9. Let the Holiday Cookies sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent breakage and keeps the texture just right.

I used to rush this whole process and end up with cookie shapes that spread too thin or got hard. Since then, I always chill the dough briefly if it’s too warm before baking—that little trick has saved many batches of Holiday Cookies in my kitchen.

While your Holiday Cookies is baking, you’ll have time to tidy up or prep a festive drink to serve alongside. If you’d like some more ideas to mix up your holiday baking, check out this collection of festive colorful inspiration.

Once cool, these Holiday Cookies are ready to bring smiles and maybe even a few cravings for seconds!

Serving Ideas

Holiday Cookies are such a treat for my family. We often enjoy them with a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa to make a simple moment feel special. These cookies work beautifully as a festive dessert or as part of a seasonal treat platter to share during holiday parties.

For a quick lunchbox surprise or an afterschool pick-me-up, Holiday Cookies add just the right touch of sweetness without being heavy. They’re perfect for those gatherings where you want a fuss-free dessert that looks inviting. I like to arrange them on a pretty plate garnished with fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra charm.

This Holiday Cookies recipe pairs nicely with spiced tea or mulled cider, making your holiday baking complete with a cozy drink. If you decorate your cookies with different colors and sprinkles, you can tailor them to any holiday theme. My kids love cookie decorating sessions almost as much as eating the holiday treats themselves.

Leftover Holiday Cookies make great gifts wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon. My family also stores them in an airtight container, adding a slice of bread inside to keep them fresh longer. We’ve tried variations by adding citrus zest, mini chocolate chips, or even a pinch of cinnamon, and each twist gets rave reviews.

If your family enjoys a sweet bite, give these Holiday Cookies a try alongside twisted Christmas cookies for a full festive cookie spread that’ll impress any crowd.

Your Questions Answered

Here are some answers to common questions about making and enjoying Holiday Cookies I’ve heard from fellow home cooks:

Can I make this Holiday Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance, keeping it wrapped in the fridge. When you’re ready, just roll and bake. This helps keep things stress-free during busy holiday days.

What if I don’t have baking powder for my Holiday Cookies?
No worries—you can make a version using just baking soda and a bit of an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to help the cookies rise. It might change the texture slightly, but your Holiday Cookies will still be tasty.

How do I store leftover Holiday Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps them stay moist and fresh.

Is there a way to make Holiday Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. You might need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can kids get involved with cookie decorating?
Definitely, and it’s a family favorite part of holiday baking. Using colored sugars or sprinkles makes it easy, and it’s a sweet way to keep kids engaged.

What if my Holiday Cookies spread too much while baking?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm before baking. Chilling it for 15-30 minutes helps. Also, check that your baking soda and powder are fresh—they lose effectiveness over time.

Are there healthier substitutions for Holiday Cookies ingredients?
You can try using coconut oil instead of butter or reduce the sugar slightly. Just keep in mind it might change the final texture, so test small batches first.

For even more ideas, these ‘Tis the season for baking! Comment “cookie” and I’ll send 13 cookie … showcase easy festive cookie recipes and helpful holiday baking inspiration to keep you motivated.

The Final Word

Holiday Cookies have earned a special place in my recipe collection because of the way they bring my family together—and how straightforward they are to make. My kids adore decorating, my spouse loves the classic flavors, and I appreciate a recipe that fits into our busy schedule without fuss.

My Holiday Cookies Tips:
– Always soften your butter for easier mixing.
– Chill your dough if it feels too soft before baking.
– Use good-quality vanilla for a richer flavor.

I’ve tried variations with added spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, mini chocolate chips, and even a lemon zest twist. Each has been a family hit, proving how flexible this Holiday Cookies recipe truly is. My youngest prefers the classic sugary versions, while the adults lean toward the spiced variations.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own—whether it’s through decorating styles, flavor additions, or sharing them at your family table. Holiday Cookies are about connection, joy, and those simple, sweet moments that can brighten any day.

For more recipe favorites, don’t miss out on 56 Christmas Cookie Recipes from Pro Bakers & Writers for ideas that can add even more fun to your holiday baking plans.

I hope your family loves these Holiday Cookies as much as mine does, and that they create new happy memories around your table. Get your ingredients ready, and enjoy every step of making these seasonal treats together.

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Holiday Cookies

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These classic Holiday Cookies blend festive flavors and buttery textures, perfect for celebrating with family and friends during the festive season.

• Author: Vienna Ellis
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a mixer.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Decorate each cookie with colored sugar or sprinkles as desired.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra festive touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.