Christmas Bells
Festive and colorful, these Christmas Bells cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations. Crisp, sweet, and shaped like bells, they delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla thoroughly.
- Measure flour by dipping method or by sifting.
- Stir flour, soda, and salt together; blend into the mixture.
- Color two-thirds of the dough red or green.
- Mold the colored dough into a 10 x 1.5-inch roll.
- Shape this roll into a bell shape by squeezing the top together and leaving the lower half flared and curved; chill.
- Save 1/4 cup of white dough for the clappers.
- Roll out the remaining dough on waxed paper into a rectangle about 10 x 4 inches; trim the edges.
- Wrap the rolled dough around the colored roll; chill.
- Heat oven to 375°F (quick).
- Cut the dough into 1/8-inch thick slices, about 1/2 inch apart, on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Press a tiny ball of white dough at the bottom of each slice for the clapper.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup. When coloring the dough, gel food coloring yields more vibrant results than liquid. Chill the dough for easier handling, and if you have leftover dough, use it to create festive cookie shapes. These cookies pair beautifully with Gingerbread Cookies(Makes 50 To 60 Small Cookies) for a delightful holiday platter.
Serving Suggestions
These festive bells make a charming addition to any holiday dessert table. Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy treat. They also pair well with other holiday sweets, like Terri'S Blueberry Pound Cake, creating a colorful and delicious assortment. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a decorative platter and garnish with seasonal greenery.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Bells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their crispness, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other; instead, layer them between parchment paper. If you want to reheat them, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bells 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 make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After shaping it into rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to a month. Just make sure to let the dough thaw completely before slicing and baking.
What if I don’t have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. This will alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit more tender and flavorful. Just ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
How can I adjust the colors for different holidays?
To customize the colors for other holidays, simply choose different gel food coloring. For instance, pastel shades work well for Easter, while orange and black are great for Halloween. Let your creativity flow and have fun decorating the cookies to match the occasion!
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).