Favorite Christmas Cookies
Festive and colorful, these classic Christmas cookies are buttery, sweet, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Decorated with sprinkles, they add cheer to any celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove dough from refrigerator and divide into 3 parts.
- Wrap each part in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm enough to roll out.
- Dust work surface with flour.
- Roll out one piece of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut with cookie cutters pressed in flour.
- Place cut cookies on greased baking sheets.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool cookies on racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fun twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for extra flavor. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for just 30 minutes instead of 2 hours, but the cookies may be harder to roll out. Using colored sugar or sprinkles enhances the holiday spirit and allows for creativity in decorating, making these cookies perfect for sharing.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served alongside hot cocoa or eggnog. For a beautiful display, arrange them on a decorative platter with other holiday treats like Yummy Jello Squares or Lake Francis Sheet Cake. They also make great additions to gift baskets for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, layer them between sheets of wax paper. For a delightful treat, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving, which will revive their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Christmas Cookies contains roughly 187 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% 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 margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. For the best results, use a stick margarine that contains at least 80% fat. Always ensure that the margarine is softened to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. It's important to check the blend's instructions, as some may require modifications to the liquid ratios in the recipe. This adjustment will help achieve a similar texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting. This is a great way to prepare ahead for holiday baking or last-minute gatherings.
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).