Easy Christmas cookie recipes are a holiday tradition you will absolutely love. From classic peppermint blossom cookies to warm gingerbread and everything in between, these simple delights will keep you happily baking throughout December!
The holiday season truly begins when the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air. Here at our home, December 1st marks the official start of our annual Christmas cookie marathon! My girls and I cherish the time we spend together in the kitchen, experimenting with everything from heartwarming gingerbread creations to refreshing peppermint-infused delights. We also love hosting a lively Christmas cookie exchange, sharing our homemade treats and discovering new favorites. This collection of holiday cookie recipes is designed to bring that same joy and deliciousness to your festive celebrations.
The Magic of Simple Christmas Cookies: Few Ingredients, Big Flavor
Once your Christmas tree is sparkling (ours goes up literally the day after Thanksgiving!), and the holiday lights twinkle, it’s time to complete the festive atmosphere with some wonderful holiday cookies. Prepare for your house to be enveloped in the wonderful scents of homemade goodness, starting with classic gingerbread dough and many more delightful treats.
Baking during the holidays is a cherished tradition that often evokes powerful memories. I fondly recall baking with my Grandma, meticulously preparing the annual batch of Lebkuchen, her special German spice cookies. To this day, the warm, complex aroma of Lebkuchen instantly transports me back to the cherished moments of my childhood. These traditions are what make the holidays truly special, and passing them down through generations is a gift in itself.
Old-Fashioned Christmas Recipes & Modern Twists for Busy Bakers
Now, as a parent to three wonderful girls, I strive to integrate a few new and exciting recipes each year, but with one crucial rule: they have to be easy! We appreciate recipes that require minimal fuss, like our incredible microwave peppermint bark and delightful fudge recipes, which practically make themselves. These no-bake options are perfect for getting the kids involved without the stress of oven timers and intricate steps.
Beyond cookies, I’ve recently become quite passionate about creating stunning yet simple charcuterie boards for beginners. They are always a huge hit at holiday gatherings, offering a sophisticated spread with minimal cooking. It’s a fun obsession I’m eager to share, as they are truly addicting to assemble and even more so to enjoy!
My philosophy for holiday baking revolves around using just a few quality ingredients to create maximum flavor and festive cheer. Take, for instance, our popular cake mix gingerbread cookies – a fantastic shortcut that delivers perfect results every time. If you’re looking for something with a bit more zest, our homemade lemon crinkle cookies are a bright and tangy addition to any cookie platter. And for ultimate convenience, many of our cookie recipes can even be adapted from a simple boxed cake mix recipe, proving that deliciousness doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen.
Easy Peppermint Blossom Christmas Cookies
These easy Christmas cookie recipes are a collection of delightful treats including chocolate, peppermint, and beautifully shaped sugar cookies perfect for the holidays. This particular recipe focuses on creating soft, minty peppermint blossom cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss.
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Equipment
- 2 baking sheets
Ingredients
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1 c butter, unsalted and room temperature
- 2 c all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- sprinkles (optional, for coating)
- 24-36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter for a couple of minutes until light and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating for another few minutes until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Stir in both the peppermint extract and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating on low speed until just mixed and a soft dough forms. For an extra festive touch, you can pour sprinkles or colored sugar onto a plate, then use a small (1 tablespoon) cookie scoop to form dough balls. Roll each ball in your hands, then gently roll it in the sprinkles until coated.
- Place the prepared cookie dough balls onto the baking sheets, ensuring there is enough space between them to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 minutes, or until the outside edges of the cookies are just beginning to crack and set, but the centers still appear slightly undercooked and tender. This will ensure a soft, chewy cookie.
- Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Immediately and gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat from the cookies will slightly melt the chocolate, creating that iconic blossom shape. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking pan before handling or transferring them. This step is crucial for the Kisses to fully set and for the cookies to firm up.
Nutrition
Calories: 145 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 15 g,
Protein: 1 g,
Fat: 9 g,
Saturated Fat: 6 g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3 g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g,
Trans Fat: 0.3 g,
Cholesterol: 21 mg,
Sodium: 65 mg,
Potassium: 14 mg,
Fiber: 0.4 g,
Sugar: 7 g,
Vitamin A: 236 IU,
Calcium: 13 mg,
Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Additional Info
Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom! We’d love to see your creations!
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Our cookie collection spans from incredibly easy recipes using a simple cake mix, like our vibrant cake mix crinkle cookies recipe (which can be made in festive red and green for Christmas!), to completely homemade delights such as our rich coffee cake cookies, complete with a buttery crumble topping.
For something truly unique and fun, our egg nog cookie cups are an absolute delight and undeniably delicious. If you’re looking to bake a cake this season, our egg nog pudding cake is another family favorite that consistently earns rave reviews. And for those who love a layered treat, you must try our indulgent pecan pie bars, combining the richness of chocolate with a decadent caramel flavor.
To complement your homemade treats, a warm mug of Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate is simply perfect. Just add snickerdoodle flavoring to your favorite Swiss Miss for a delightful twist on classic holiday flavors. And don’t forget our incredibly simple 3-ingredient shortbread cookies, which can be enjoyed plain, dipped in chocolate, or decorated for extra flair.
- Hazelnut cookies offer a sophisticated and festive twist, providing something delightfully different to try.
- For the ultimate soft and chewy cookie, try The Best Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe ever! Perfect for decorating.
- Our Pecan snowball cookies, delicately dusted with powdered sugar, are not only super pretty but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Planning Ahead: How Early Should I Make Christmas Cookies?
To reduce holiday stress and ensure you have plenty of delicious treats on hand, consider baking your Christmas cookies in advance. Many types of cookies freeze beautifully, either as raw dough or after baking. Freezing cookie dough in individual portions or storing baked cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container can save you valuable time. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply defrost at room temperature before decorating or serving. This approach allows you to spread out your baking tasks and ensures fresh-ttasting cookies throughout the festive season.
Optimal Storage Times for Holiday Cookies:
- Shortbread and Sugar Cookies: These sturdy cookies can be made 2-4 weeks in advance. They hold up exceptionally well over time, often developing an even richer flavor as they age slightly. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze them for extended freshness.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Similar to sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies can be prepared 2-3 weeks in advance. They maintain their classic texture and spicy flavor beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Molasses Cookies: For best results, molasses cookies are ideal when made about 1 week in advance if stored at room temperature. Their soft, chewy texture is best preserved within this timeframe. For longer storage, freezing these types of cookies is recommended to maintain their delightful freshness.
- Biscotti: With their unique twice-baked nature, biscotti boast an impressive shelf life and can be made 2-3 weeks in advance. Their inherent dryness helps prevent spoilage, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
And remember, you can always include other delightful goodies that aren’t “technically” cookies in your holiday spread. Your guests will undoubtedly adore some decadent 4-ingredient fudge, won’t they? If you’re looking for ways to involve your children in the baking process, there are many simple recipes that allow them to help every step of the way.
If you’re loving all these easy Christmas cookie recipe ideas, you absolutely must try making our enchanting Christmas tree cupcakes. They’re super easy to create using sugar ice cream cones dipped in colored melted chocolate and adorned with sprinkles that mimic twinkling lights. It’s a fantastic, creative activity to enjoy together as a family, resulting in a festive centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks!
For those aiming for maximum simplicity with minimal prep and no intricate cutting required, I highly recommend our ingenious No Cookie Cutter Cookies. You simply roll out one large circle of dough and then use a pizza cutter to slice it into triangles, effortlessly resembling charming little Christmas trees! Once baked and cooled, decorate them with some frosting and a few sprinkles, and voilà – instant festive cheer without the hassle.
More Festive Cookie Ideas: With Cutters and Beyond
For those who love to get creative with cookie cutters, here are a few more inspiring ideas to add to your holiday baking list:
- Indulge in the rich flavor of Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, a perfect combination of two classic holiday tastes.
- Need a quick batch of treats? These Easy Last Minute Christmas Cookies are your go-to solution for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
- And, of course, master the art of traditional Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, ideal for decorating with vibrant green frosting and colorful edible ornaments.
No matter your baking skill level or how much time you have, this collection of easy Christmas cookie recipes is designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your holiday season. Gather your loved ones, preheat your ovens, and get ready to create some magical memories, one cookie at a time!