Christmas Cookies

ByMadison Rae
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
SPREAD LOVE

why make this recipe

Christmas Cookies are a cherished holiday tradition that brings joy and sweetness to the festive season. Making these cookies is a fun and creative activity that families can enjoy together. They make perfect gifts, additions to holiday parties, or simply a tasty treat to enjoy while celebrating with loved ones. The delightful flavors of butter, sugar, and vanilla wrapped in a beautiful, festive design make these cookies a must-bake this time of year.

how to make Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Decorations (sprinkles, icing, or edible glitter)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in the egg and mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
  6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  7. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and decorate as desired.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
  9. Let cool on wire racks before serving.

how to serve Christmas Cookies

Serve Christmas Cookies on a festive platter or in a decorated box. They can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after they have cooled. These cookies also make great gifts for friends and family, so be sure to package them in holiday-themed bags or tins!

how to store Christmas Cookies

Store your Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be enjoyed for up to three months.

tips to make Christmas Cookies

  • Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
  • Don’t skip the cooling step after baking; it helps the cookies firm up.
  • Use different colored sprinkles or icing to make your cookies cheerful and festive.
  • Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for a different taste and texture.

variation

You can change up the flavor by adding cocoa powder for chocolate Christmas Cookies, or incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and cozy twist. You can also use almond flour instead of some of the all-purpose flour for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it might change the flavor and texture of the cookies slightly. Butter tends to give the cookies a richer taste.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add colorful sprinkles, cute holiday-shaped icing decorations, or even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes before baking.

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon

Christmas Cookies

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delightful and festive Christmas cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Decorations (sprinkles, icing, or edible glitter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
  4. Beat in the egg and mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
  5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
  6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  7. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and decorate as desired.
  8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden.
  9. Let cool on wire racks before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive treats

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hi there—I’m Madison Rae, but everyone just calls me Maddy. I’m 38 years old, born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, and these days I run a small but lively kitchen tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My hands smell like garlic more often than not, and my happiest moments are when I’m elbow-deep in a pot of something simmering, rich, and a little unpredictable.

I didn’t grow up in a culinary family. My mom was a school librarian, and my dad fixed motorcycles. But there was always food around—big Sunday breakfasts, church potlucks, and neighbors dropping off casseroles “just because.” I learned early that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s connection, comfort, and sometimes, even courage. My first real foray into cooking came when I was twelve and decided to surprise my parents with shrimp and grits. The grits were lumpy, the shrimp rubbery, and I mistook cayenne for paprika, but they smiled and ate every bite. That night, something clicked—I could feed people, really feed them.

After college, I worked every job you can imagine—hostess, barista, pastry assistant, line cook—anything to stay close to the heat. I eventually studied at the Culinary Institute of America, but honestly, most of my learning happened shoulder-to-shoulder with folks who’d been cooking long before me, in diners, food trucks, and open-air barbecues. I’ve burnt things, over-salted plenty, and once accidentally lit a towel on fire during a catering gig (don’t ask). But each mistake made me better—and more humble.

These days, my cooking leans rustic with Southern roots, but I’m always pulling in new flavors. I’ve fallen in love with Korean gochujang, Moroccan preserved lemons, and the slow joy of making pasta by hand. I don’t believe in rules for the sake of rules—just respect for ingredients, patience, and a willingness to taste as you go.

I write my own recipes now, but more importantly, I try to make cooking feel doable. Whether you’ve got a pantry full of spices or just salt and pepper, there’s always something beautiful you can create. I want home cooks to know they don’t have to be perfect. Just curious. Just hungry. Just willing to try.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the culinary world. If you’re looking for hearty food, honest stories, and the occasional kitchen mishap, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking.

MORE RECIPES

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies - Olives + Thyme

Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies – Olives + Thyme

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEImagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of Chewy Maple Pumpkin Cookies – Olives + Thyme, where each bite delivers the perfect blend of warmth and flavor, creating a delightful autumn experience. The subtle hint of brown butter combined with maple syrup creates a symphony of taste in these Chewy…

Delicious homemade Apple Spice Cake with apples and spice garnished with icing.

Apple Spice Cake

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEWhy Make This Recipe Apple Spice Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that celebrates the delicious flavors of autumn. With the sweetness of honey crisp apples and a blend of warm spices, this cake is perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home. It’s easy to make and offers a delightful balance of…

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEThe aroma of warming spices fills the kitchen as the Spiced Pumpkin Cake emerges from the oven, embodying autumn in every bite. This delicious creation brings to life the cozy essence of the season, evoking fond memories shared around the family table. Twice is not too much to mention, as this Spiced Pumpkin Cake…

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEImagine the smell of Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe wafting through your kitchen, an irresistible blend of cinnamon and ripe bananas that stirs both anticipation and comfort. There’s something undeniably joyous about combining the classic Snickerdoodle Banana Bread Recipe with the nostalgic warmth of snickerdoodles. It’s a delightful fusion that brings out the best in…