Even during weightloss, Christmas Cookies can be a festive treat with mindful portions. Creaming softened butter with sugars creates a light, fluffy base, while a touch of vanilla adds warmth. Pressing the dough with a fork gives them that classic crisscross look before baking. These cheerful bites are perfect for holiday gatherings where you want to indulge just a little without straying from your goals.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies
For the dough
- Unsalted Butter – Make sure it’s softened for that perfect creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar – This helps create a soft, tender cookie.
- Eggs – Room temperature is key for even mixing.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Use the good stuff for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of these cookies.
- Baking Powder – Gives them just a little lift.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Milk – Room temperature again for a smooth dough.
For the festive touch
- Red and Green Food Coloring – Optional, but so fun for the holidays!
Cook Time for Easy Christmas Cookies
I love how quickly these Christmas Cookies come together, especially during the busy holiday season. You’ll spend just 20 minutes prepping the dough, and then they bake in about 12 minutes. That means you can have warm, chewy sugar cookies with festive colors on your table in just over half an hour!
If you’re looking for more quick baking ideas, check out my oatmeal cookie recipes for another fast treat.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 32 minutes |
How to Make Christmas Cookies icing
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The mixture should be pale and aerated.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Slowly pour in the milk and continue mixing until the dough forms a cohesive, smooth texture.
Step 5: Add Festive Colors
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion and green to the other, mixing thoroughly until the colors are evenly distributed (optional).
Step 6: Shape and Pattern
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to press down lightly on each ball, creating a crisscross pattern.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies should be firm but slightly tender when cooled.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks that make these Christmas Cookies even more special. Here are my favorite ways to customize this classic recipe to make it your own!
- Flavor Swap: Try almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla for a different twist on the traditional flavor profile.
- Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with applesauce and use a sugar alternative – they still taste wonderfully festive!
- Texture Fix: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This makes holiday baking with red and green much easier to handle.
- Storage Tip: These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze them – they thaw perfectly at room temperature in about an hour. If you love make-ahead treats, you might also enjoy my no-bake dessert ideas for stress-free entertaining.
Remember that cookie decorating is part of the fun! If you’re looking for more decorated cookie inspiration, my Halloween cookies have some creative ideas you can adapt for the holidays.
Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk at room temperature
- red and green food coloring optional
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
- electric mixer
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the milk and mix until the dough comes together and is smooth.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion and green to the other, mixing until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a fork to press down lightly, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While these Christmas Cookies are certainly a treat, I believe in enjoying festive foods mindfully. Each cookie provides a small moment of joy while still fitting into balanced eating habits during the holidays.
Using quality ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract not only enhances flavor but also means you’re enjoying something made with care rather than artificial additives. The powdered sugar creates that wonderful soft texture without needing excessive amounts of sweetener.
For those watching their intake, remember that holiday baking with red and green can still be part of your celebration. I often pair one of these soft cookies using powdered sugar with a cup of herbal tea for a satisfying treat that doesn’t overwhelm.
If you’re looking for more balanced options, my healthy baking recipes collection includes many delicious alternatives. You might also enjoy my healthy muffin recipes for breakfast options that feel special without the guilt.
According to the History of Christmas Cookies, these treats have been part of holiday traditions for centuries, bringing people together through shared moments of sweetness and celebration.
| Nutrient | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
A Lighter Version of Christmas Cookies
I understand that sometimes you want all the festive joy of Christmas Cookies with a lighter touch. Over the years, I’ve developed some simple swaps that maintain that wonderful flavor while reducing the indulgence factor.
For a healthier version of these chewy sugar cookies with festive colors, try replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. This keeps the moisture while cutting back on saturated fat. You can also reduce the granulated sugar by one-third without noticeably affecting the texture.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for mindful treats, my healthy Thanksgiving desserts offer great ideas that work beautifully for Christmas too. And for those who love peanut butter flavors, these peanut butter cookies can easily be adapted with similar healthy swaps.
Remember that the classic butter dough with food coloring can still be part of a balanced approach to holiday eating—it’s all about portion size and enjoying each bite mindfully.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Over the years, I’ve baked these Christmas Cookies for friends and family with various dietary needs, and I’ve learned that with a few thoughtful adjustments, everyone can enjoy the holiday spirit. If you’re sugar conscious or managing blood sugar levels, there are simple ways to adapt this recipe while keeping all the festive joy.
For a diabetic-friendly version, I often use natural sweetener alternatives like stevia or erythritol instead of traditional sugars. These sugar alternatives work beautifully in baked butter cookies with vanilla icing, providing sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels. You might need to adjust slightly for texture, but the result is still wonderfully festive.
Another approach I love is making smaller cookies—portion control is one of the easiest ways to enjoy treats while being mindful of glucose levels. I also sometimes add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough, which not only enhances flavor but may help with glycemic control.
For those avoiding refined sugars altogether, mashed ripe bananas or date paste can provide natural sweetness while contributing to the soft texture we love in these Christmas sugar cookies. Remember, the holiday season is about celebration and connection, and with these small tweaks, everyone at your table can share in the joy.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
I’ll never forget the Christmas when my grandmother laid out her special platter of cookies—each one carefully decorated and arranged with love. She believed that how we present food is an expression of care for those we’re serving, and that memory inspires how I share these Christmas Cookies today.
These cheerful bites shine when arranged on a festive platter with varying colors—I love creating patterns with the red and green cookies alternating for visual appeal. For special gatherings, I sometimes add a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving, which looks like a light snowfall over the classic crisscross pattern.
Pair these Christmas Cookies with warm spiced cider or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy holiday experience. The warmth of the drinks complements the buttery richness of the cookies perfectly. If you’re serving them as part of a larger dessert spread, they pair wonderfully with my Danish oatmeal cookies for texture contrast.
For breakfast or brunch gatherings, these make a lovely addition to Christmas breakfast ideas alongside other morning treats. However you choose to serve them, these cookies bring that special holiday magic to any occasion.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error that even the simplest Christmas Cookies can sometimes surprise you. Let me share the common pitfalls I’ve encountered so your holiday baking goes smoothly.
Over-mixing the dough is probably the number one mistake I see. When you work the classic butter dough with food coloring too much, it develops more gluten and can make your cookies tough instead of tender. Mix just until the ingredients come together for that perfect soft texture.
Another issue I’ve faced is using butter that’s either too cold or too soft. Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, while overly soft butter can cause your cookies to spread too thin. I take my butter out about 30 minutes before baking so it’s just slightly cool to the touch.
Don’t skip the chilling time! I know it’s tempting to bake right away, but that rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading. This step is especially important when working with decorative dough for holiday baking with red and green colors.
For more baking wisdom, I always turn to Classic Holiday Cookie Recipes from trusted experts. And if you’re looking for other cookie inspirations, my easy oatmeal cookie recipes include helpful tips that apply to all types of baking.
Remember, even imperfect Christmas Cookies made with love taste wonderful. Some of my most cherished memories come from baking sessions that didn’t go perfectly but created the best stories!
How to Store Christmas Cookies
I’ll never forget the Christmas when my aunt gifted us a beautiful tin of cookies that stayed fresh and delicious through the entire holiday season. She shared her storage secrets with me, and I’ve been using her methods ever since.
For short-term storage, I place completely cooled Christmas Cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping those soft cookies using powdered sugar perfectly tender for up to a week. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If you want to freeze your baked butter cookies with vanilla icing, they hold up beautifully for up to three months. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer bags or containers. Thaw them at room temperature still wrapped to prevent condensation.
You can also freeze the dough itself! I often make extra batches of this Christmas Cookies recipe during less busy times and freeze portioned dough balls. Then I can bake fresh cookies whenever guests drop by during the hectic holiday season.
For more preservation ideas, check out my no-bake dessert recipes that require minimal storage planning. And if you love pumpkin flavors too, these pumpkin cookies store just as beautifully as our Christmas varieties.
Try This Christmas Cookies Yourself
I still remember the first time I made these Christmas Cookies with my daughter—her tiny hands carefully pressing fork patterns into each one, flour dusting her cheeks like winter’s first snow. That moment of shared creation captures everything I love about holiday baking.
These easy Christmas Cookies represent more than just a recipe to me. They’re about creating traditions, sharing warmth, and making ordinary moments special with a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, the process itself becomes part of your holiday story.
I encourage you to make these chewy sugar cookies with festive colors your own. Add orange zest for a citrus twist, or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for extra sparkle. The best family recipes are those that evolve with each generation’s touch.
If you enjoy these Christmas sugar cookies, you might also love my Halloween cookies for another festive occasion. For smaller gatherings, try these small batch oatmeal cookies that give you all the joy without leftovers.
And if you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, my Valentine’s Day desserts and Thanksgiving sides offer year-round celebration ideas. For a special breakfast pairing, this cottage cheese banana bread makes a wonderful morning treat.
However you choose to enjoy them, I hope these Christmas Cookies bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and light!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous Christmas cookie?
The sugar cookie is arguably the most famous Christmas cookie, especially when decorated with festive icing and colors. These versatile cookies have become a holiday staple because they’re perfect for cutting into shapes and decorating with family. Their simple butter base serves as the perfect canvas for creative holiday expressions.
What are the 10 most popular homemade cookies?
Beyond Christmas Cookies, the most popular homemade cookies include chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodles, shortbread, gingerbread, macaroons, biscotti, thumbprint, and molasses cookies. Each has its seasonal place, but during the holidays, decorated sugar cookies and gingerbread often take center stage for their festive appeal.
What cookies are associated with Christmas?
Christmas is associated with cookies that feature warm spices, festive colors, and special shapes. Gingerbread men, peppermint cookies, spritz cookies, Italian wedding cookies, and of course decorated sugar cookies all signal holiday celebration. These Christmas Cookies often incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, peppermint, and vanilla for that distinctive seasonal flavor.
What are some different kinds of Christmas cookies?
The variety of Christmas Cookies is truly wonderful—from classic cut-outs with Christmas Cookies icing to drop cookies like Russian tea cakes. You’ll find rolled cookies like gingerbread, filled cookies like thumbprints, bar cookies like peppermint bark, and refrigerator cookies like icebox varieties. Each culture has its traditions, making holiday baking with red and green a global celebration.
More Festive Treats to Sweeten Your Season
If you loved these Christmas Cookies, you might enjoy exploring other seasonal delights that bring warmth and joy to your kitchen throughout the year.
Easy Cake Mix Peanut Butter Cookies – Incredibly simple cookies that combine boxed cake mix with peanut butter for chewy perfection.
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies – The timeless cross-hatched cookies that deliver rich, nutty flavor in every soft bite.
Danish Oatmeal Cookies – Hearty, spiced oatmeal cookies with a delightful crispy-chewy texture that pairs perfectly with coffee.
Spiced Pumpkin Cookies – Soft, cake-like cookies bursting with warm pumpkin flavor and cozy autumn spices.
Festive Halloween Cookies – Playfully decorated cookies that bring spooky fun to your Halloween celebrations with delicious style.
Simple Oatmeal Cookie Collection – A variety of oatmeal-based cookies that offer wholesome goodness and endless customization options.
