Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

Get into the holiday spirit with Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies! These delightful cookies are perfect not only for decorating but also for sharing with family and friends during your festive celebrations. With their bright colors and sweet flavors, they will surely bring joy to any occasion. Plus, they are easy to make, making them a great choice for bakers of all ages!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: The steps are straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to enjoy the process.
• Versatile Decoration: You can customize these cookies with various sprinkles or icings, making each batch unique.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are an excellent homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Baking and decorating these cookies is a fun activity for kids, encouraging creativity in the kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla, almond, and cinnamon offers a warm and inviting taste that everyone loves.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these festive treats, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Electric Mixer: Saves time when creaming butter and sugars, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: Helps create evenly sized cookies for consistent baking results.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for these Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

For Decoration

• 1 cup red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
• Frosting (optional)

Pin

How to Make Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then stir in both vanilla extract and almond extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend in the dry ingredient mixture until just mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Season it Up

Add the ground cinnamon into the dough and mix until evenly incorporated.

Step 7: Scoop and Decorate

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Gently press a few sprinkles onto each cookie’s top for decoration.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Frost if Desired

Once cooled, frost with your favorite icing if desired. Add more sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch!

Step 10: Enjoy!

These cookies make a wonderful gift or delicious treat for your holiday gatherings! Enjoy the joy they bring!

How to Serve Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

These delightful Christmas cookies can be served in numerous fun ways that enhance their festive charm. Whether for a party or as a thoughtful gift, these serving ideas are sure to delight everyone.

Cookie Platters

• Arrange your cookies on a colorful platter for a vibrant display.
• Mix different shapes and sizes for visual interest.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins.
• Add a personal note or tag for a special touch.

Holiday Parties

• Serve cookies at holiday gatherings alongside other treats.
• Pair with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy feel.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up an area where guests can decorate their own cookies.
• Provide various toppings like sprinkles, icing, and chocolate chips.

Cookie Jars

• Fill clear jars with the cookies to create charming centerpieces.
• Ensure they are sealed well to keep them fresh.

How to Perfect Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

To make your cookies truly festive and easy, consider these simple tips. They will help ensure every batch is perfect for sharing during the holidays.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps your butter cream smoothly with the sugars, leading to a better texture.
• Chill the dough: If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them; removing them from the oven when they are just golden at the edges ensures a soft center.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts or spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique variations of flavor.
• Decorate creatively: Use different colored sprinkles or icing designs to personalize each cookie, making them more festive.
• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness longer.

Pin

Best Side Dishes for Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

These scrumptious cookies pair well with several side dishes that will complement their sweetness. Consider serving these alongside your festive treats!

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy drink that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cookies.
2. Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage adds a creamy touch that enhances the festive experience.
3. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and oranges provide a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.
4. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness of cookies while offering savory options.
5. Roasted Nuts: Spiced or salted nuts add crunch and can be enjoyed as a savory snack alongside sweets.
6. Fruitcake: A traditional holiday treat that echoes festive flavors while adding texture to your spread.
7. Mini Pies: Bite-sized fruit or custard pies offer variety and are great finger foods for gatherings.
8. Glazed Donuts: Sweet donuts can be an unexpected but delightful pairing with your cookie assortment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas cookies can be a joyful experience, but it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for your festive and easy DIY Christmas cookies.

• Missing Ingredients: Always double-check your ingredient list before you start baking. Running out of butter or flour can halt your cookie-making process.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Each oven is different. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your cookies bake evenly at 350°F (175°C).
• Overmixing Dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined for soft and chewy treats.
• Skipping Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
• Not Decorating Enough: Don’t skimp on sprinkles! More decorations make the cookies more festive and visually appealing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about a minute, covered, to warm them gently.

Pin

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I personalize my Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies?

You can customize these cookies by adding different types of sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts based on your preference.

Can I make these Festive and Easy DIY Christmas Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it, or freeze it until you’re ready to bake.

What other decorations can I use for my Christmas cookies?

Consider using colored icing, edible glitter, or holiday-themed candy to enhance your cookie designs.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft after baking?

Make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they are just golden around the edges; they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These festive and easy DIY Christmas cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags.

Final Thoughts

These festive and easy DIY Christmas cookies are not only simple to make but also delightful treats that everyone will love. With options for decoration and customization, you can create unique versions that fit any holiday theme. Give this recipe a try and share the joy of baking with family and friends!