As the holiday season approaches, many of us start to think about baking. There’s something special about filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of fresh-baked cookies during the festive season. And when it comes to holiday baking, there’s nothing quite like cookies.
Cookies are a staple of holiday baking, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, they can be made in large batches, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. From classic shortbread to gingerbread men, there’s a cookie for everyone to enjoy during the holidays.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of cookies during the holiday season and provide some tips for making perfect cookies every time. We’ll also share some classic holiday cookie recipes that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Tips for making perfect holiday cookies
Making perfect holiday cookies requires attention to detail and a little bit of know-how. Here are some tips for ensuring your cookies come out perfectly every time:
Use high-quality ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your cookies. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.Measure your ingredients accurately
Measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons, and be sure to level off your ingredients for precise measurements.Use room temperature ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients, such as butter and eggs, will help your ingredients combine more easily and result in a smoother dough.Chill your dough
Chilling your dough before baking can help your cookies retain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven.Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can help prevent your cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
Classic holiday cookie recipes
Now that we’ve covered some tips for making perfect holiday cookies, let’s move on to some classic holiday cookie recipes. These recipes are sure to be a hit with family and friends:Shortbread cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that are simple to make and perfect for sharing. With their buttery, crumbly texture and delicate flavor, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the flour and salt and mix until just combined.Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow to cool before serving.Gingerbread cookiesGingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for decorating. They’re spicy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Gingerbread cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a holiday classic that have been enjoyed for generations. These spicy, sweet treats are perfect for decorating and make a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.Cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the molasses and egg and mix until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow to cool before decorating.Sugar cookiesSugar cookies are another holiday classic that are perfect for decorating. These cookies are simple to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings and decorations.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F .Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow to cool before decorating.SnickerdoodlesSnickerdoodles are a classic cookie that are perfect for the holidays. These soft, chewy cookies are coated in cinnamon sugar and have a hint of tanginess from the cream of
tartar.Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow to cool before serving.
Unique holiday cookie recipes
While classic holiday cookies like gingerbread and sugar cookies are always popular, it’s always fun to mix things up with some unique cookie recipes. Here are some unique holiday cookie recipes that are sure to impress your guests.Spiced eggnog cookies
If you love eggnog, you’ll love these spiced eggnog cookies. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a delicious eggnog flavor and a hint of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup eggnog
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°FCream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the eggs, eggnog, and vanilla and mix until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow to cool before serving.Peppermint bark cookiesPeppermint bark is a holiday favorite, and these peppermint bark cookies are a fun twist on the classic treat. These cookies are chocolatey and rich, with a hint of peppermint and a delicious crunch from the candy canes.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup white
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
Scoop the dough into 1-2 tablespoon balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic holiday cookie that are sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers. These cookies are rich, fudgy, and have a delicious crackled appearance that makes them look extra festive.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out balls of dough and roll them in powdered sugar.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipes
The holiday season is a time for indulging in delicious treats, and just because you follow a vegan diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. These vegan holiday cookie recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while still being animal-product free.Vegan Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a classic holiday treat, and this vegan version is just as delicious as the traditional recipe. These cookies are soft, buttery, and have the perfect balance of sweetness.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegan butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the flax egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass or your hand.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.Vegan Gingerbread CookiesGingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, and this vegan version is just as delicious as the traditional recipe. These cookies are spicy, sweet, and have the perfect chewy texture.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegan butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the molasses and flax egg and beat until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.Chocolate Avocado Cookies
Chocolate avocado cookies
When it comes to vegan baking, using substitutes like avocado can often create a delicious and healthy twist on classic recipes. These chocolate avocado cookies are a great example of that, and they’re perfect for the holiday season!
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until it is smooth and creamy.
Add in the cocoa powder, almond flour, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops are slightly cracked.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan thumbprint cookiesThumbprint cookies are a classic holiday treat, and these vegan ones are just as delicious as their non-vegan counterparts. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup raspberry jam (or any jam of your choice)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Add in the flour and mix until a dough forms.
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
Spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
Whether you’re vegan or not, these holiday cookie recipes are sure to impress. From classic sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies to unique treats like chocolate avocado cookies and vegan thumbprint cookies, there’s something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and add your own personal touch to these recipes. Happy baking, and happy holidays! more
