Joy of Cooking Christmas Cookies: Traditional and Modern Recipes

Christmas cookies are a staple of the holiday season, bringing joy and sweetness to gatherings and celebrations. Whether you prefer traditional recipes passed down through generations or enjoy experimenting with modern twists, there’s a Christmas cookie recipe to suit every taste. Here’s a collection of delightful Christmas cookie recipes that will add a touch of magic to your holiday baking.

Traditional Christmas Cookies

1. Classic Sugar 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 white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto prepared baking sheets.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden.
9. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tip: Decorate these cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles to make them festive and fun for all ages.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until dough forms.
5. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are firm.
10. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Tip: Use royal icing to decorate these gingerbread cookies with intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Modern Twists on Classic Recipes

3. Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball in confectioners' sugar.
8. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are set but still soft.
10. Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Tip: For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

4. Matcha White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
9. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Tip: The unique flavor of matcha combined with the sweetness of white chocolate makes these cookies a modern favorite for holiday gatherings.

Innovative Holiday Recipes

5. Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pretzels
• 1 cup caramel bits
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in crushed pretzels and caramel bits.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
10. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Tip: The combination of sweet caramel and salty pretzels creates a delightful balance that’s perfect for holiday parties.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

Baking Tips:

• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size for even baking.

Decorating Tips:

• Icing Techniques: Use different piping tips for varied designs and decorations.
• Add Sprinkles: Enhance the festive look with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or themed decorations.
• Creative Shapes: Invest in a variety of cookie cutters to make fun and unique shapes.

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Conclusion

Baking Christmas cookies is a cherished tradition that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. From timeless classics to innovative new recipes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With a little creativity and the right recipes, you can create delicious treats that will be the highlight of your festive celebrations. Happy baking!