Best Christmas Cookie Recipes
The sweet smells wafting from the kitchen are just as much a symbol of the holiday season as decorated trees, evergreen wreaths and crowded shopping malls. The best Christmas cookie recipes are more than just delicious treats; they are timeless holiday traditions, shared generously among those closest to the heart. From sugar cookies and gingerbread men to rum balls and shortbread, you're sure to find a cookie recipe just right for your family celebration.
1. Sugar Cookie Cutouts
These classic vanilla cookies are first rolled and then cut into traditional Christmas shapes: trees, snowmen, stars, reindeer, stockings, sleighs, bells, angels, and more. Once decorated with sprinkles, jimmies, colored icing, and other accents, they are among the most beautiful and timeless Christmas cookie recipes.
2. Gingerbread
Gingerbread people are the most common variation of this spicy treat, as well as panels and meticulously cut sheets to create gingerbread houses. The rich, savory flavor of gingerbread is a perfect accompaniment to coffee, cocoa, or eggnog, and the shapes are fun for kids and adults alike to decorate.
3. Candy Cane Chocolate Cookies
Combining the outrageously popular flavor of chocolate with seasonal bits of peppermint candy canes is a quick and easy way to create a holiday treat. Choose a favorite chocolate cookie recipe and add crushed candy canes to the batter before baking, ice the cookies with vanilla frosting sprinkled with mint pieces or powder. Another option is to flavor the frosting with peppermint extract, or replace vanilla extract in the recipe with peppermint. The decadent chocolate is a robust companion to the light, crisp peppermint flavoring.
4. Kiss Cookies
A sugary peanut butter cookie topped with a chocolate kiss is not only a traditional holiday favorite, but it evokes a subtle hint of mistletoe and holiday romance perfect to give that special someone. With dozens of varieties of chocolate kisses available (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cherry, caramel, strawberry, mint, etc.) as well as dough variations, there is a flavor combination sure to appeal to everyone. Different kisses can be used in one batch of cookies for variety.
5. No Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Also called buckeyes, these soft, rich treats are perfect for kids to help make (and eat!). The soft peanut butter balls are dipped in melted chocolate for an instant classic - peanut butter and chocolate is one of the most popular flavor combinations in the world. For seasonal variety, try dipping the balls into crushed nuts, peppermint pieces, or s kleswhile the chocolate coating is still wet.
6. Jar Cookies
Attractive layers make these Christmas cookie recipes the perfect gift. The best jar cookies are those with a wide range of different textures: in addition to sugar and flour, recipes with chocolate or other candy chips, oats, cocoa powder, or candy-coated bits make stunning gifts that can be shipped long distances without fear of going stale. A festive ribbon and gift tag with baking instructions complete the package.
7. Stained Glass Cookies
The stunning colors of melted candy bits in stained glass or cathedral window cookies are festive and beautiful. Use red and green candies for traditional holiday colors, or create an entire rainbow of decorative treats. Larger cookies can incorporate multiple colors, or opt for smaller cookies with a wider array of shapes.
8. Peanut Butter Cookies
Classic fork-pressed peanut butter cookies are a crisp holiday favorite, particularly for individuals who do not care for chocolate or sugar cookies. With a melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, golden coloration, even simple peanut butter cookies are a delightful addition to a holiday menu.
9. Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These colorful cookies are easy to make and feature a splash of color from apricot or raspberry jam. Sweetened coconut adds texture and interesting flavor to these Holiday favorites.
10. Rum Balls
The 1960s classic made from a butter shortbread cookie recipe has a hint of vanilla and is an instant holiday favorite. The endless variations of this recipe make it one of the best Christmas cookie recipes ever. You can add different extracts to create a surprising yet subtle taste. Lemon and orange extracts are the two most popular choices. In addition to adding extract, you can combine your favorite toasted nuts and other rich toppings, such as coconut to create fun and delicious tasty Christmas treats.
11. Shortbread
The classic butter shortbread cookie with a hint of vanilla is an instant holiday classic, but the endless variations possible make it one of the best Christmas cookie recipes ever. Adding different extracts (lemon and orange are popular choices) can create a subtly different taste, and the cookies can be combined with favorite nuts or other rich toppings to match any tastes.
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