Christmas Bell And Tree Cookies
Festive Christmas Bell and Tree cookies offer sweet, buttery flavors with a crispy texture, perfect for holiday celebrations and delightful treats for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar, and egg together thoroughly.
- Sift together the flour, soda, and salt, then stir into the creamed mixture.
- Shape into sticks and chill the dough.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick slices.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you want to add a festive touch, try incorporating finely chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles into the dough before chilling. Make sure to chill the dough adequately; this helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar by a tablespoon.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with Dussy Ole Boy'S Famous Hot Chocolate. For a delightful dessert platter, serve them alongside Walnut Crescent Cookies and Extra Good Fudge for a variety of flavors and textures. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bell And Tree Cookies contains roughly 460 calories, with 9g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 689mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fat instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. It will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly different texture. Just keep in mind that using butter may affect how the cookies spread during baking, so chilling the dough is even more essential.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance the holiday spirit, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also use cookie cutters in festive shapes like bells and trees after rolling out the dough instead of slicing. Decorating the baked cookies with icing or edible glitter can also add a fun touch.
What if I don't have all-purpose flour?
If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend or use cake flour for a softer texture. Just be aware that the cookie's texture may vary slightly depending on the flour used. Always check for a similar consistency when mixing the dough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).