Christmas cookies are a festive delight, embodying the warmth and joy of the holiday season. The process begins by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for these delectable treats. A blend of flour, baking powder, and salt forms the dry foundation, while softened butter and granulated sugar are beaten into a light and fluffy mixture that promises a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of an egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract imbues the dough with a rich, aromatic depth.
Once the dry ingredients mingle with the butter mixture, the dough is divided into two portions, flattened into disks, and wrapped in plastic wrap. This chilling period, lasting at least an hour, is crucial as it ensures the dough becomes firm enough to be rolled out smoothly. On a lightly floured surface, the dough is rolled to a perfect 1/4 inch thickness, ready to be transformed into festive shapes using an array of cookie cutters.
As the oven hums along, the dough shapes are placed onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Decorated with colored sugar or sprinkles, they bake for a brief 8-10 minutes until their edges are just slightly golden. The result is an inviting batch of cookies, cooling first on the baking sheet and then transferred to a wire rack to cool completely.
Interesting characteristics of Christmas cookies include their cherished role in holiday traditions worldwide. Each bite often carries memories of family gatherings, joyful baking sessions, and the universal spirit of giving during the season. These cookies often become edible canvases for artistic decoration, reflecting the creativity and uniqueness each family brings to their holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the dough into two portions and flatten each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. If desired, decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.