Is it even the holiday season without a plate full of fresh, festive cookies? There’s something magical about baking during the holidays — the cozy scents, the colorful sprinkles, and the joy of sharing homemade treats. Yet, with so many recipes out there, it can be overwhelming to find one that’s both easy and guaranteed to impress. That’s where these Holiday Cookies come in! Simple, festive, and utterly delicious, these cookies are perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or cozy nights by the fire. Let’s make your holidays sweeter and more memorable!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of holiday cheer:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Assorted holiday sprinkles, colored sugars, or mini chocolate chips
- Optional: Red and green food coloring, crushed peppermint candies
Ingredient Tips:
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed — it works well with a 1:1 substitute.
- Add festive mix-ins like white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra color and flavor.
With these basic ingredients and fun add-ins, you’ll create cookies that look as good as they taste!
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended for best shape)
- Baking Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Thanks to the simple dough and quick bake time, you can have fresh cookies ready in less time than it takes to watch your favorite holiday movie!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough (Optional)
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes the cookies easier to shape.
Step 3: Shape and Decorate
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Flatten slightly and decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or candies.
Step 4: Bake
Place cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
For 1 cookie (based on 24 cookies total):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
These Holiday Cookies are a festive treat that fits right into the spirit of the season — sweet, buttery, and perfect for sharing!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want a slightly lighter holiday cookie? Try these swaps:
- Use half the butter and replace the rest with unsweetened applesauce.
- Swap white sugar for coconut sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Add whole wheat flour for extra fiber (use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best texture).
- Reduce the sugar slightly if decorating heavily with candy toppings.
Small changes can help you enjoy your holiday treats a little more mindfully!
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Cookies are perfect for:
- Cookie exchange parties
- Gift boxes and festive tins
- Decorating with kids as a fun holiday activity
- Sweet treats for holiday movie nights
Personal Tip: Stack them in mason jars tied with festive ribbons for easy, adorable gifts!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chilling step: Especially if your kitchen is warm, chilled dough holds its shape much better.
- Overbaking: These cookies should be just lightly golden; overbaking makes them dry.
- Adding too much flour: Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll bake picture-perfect holiday cookies every time!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Dough: Shape into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Let cool completely before freezing in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper.
Prep Tip: Make a big batch of dough, freeze it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want throughout the season!
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking Holiday Cookies — it brings people together, spreads smiles, and fills your home with the sweetest scents of the season. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless ways to personalize them, these cookies are guaranteed to become a holiday favorite. Bake a batch (or three!), share them with friends and family, and Pin this recipe for later — you’ll be glad to have it every holiday season!
FAQs
Can I use colored icing instead of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Decorate cooled cookies with icing for extra flair.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
No worries — just roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly for a classic look.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Of course! Mini chocolate chips work best if you want to keep the holiday shapes.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Your dough may have been too warm — chilling helps prevent that and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.