Never Fail Christmas Cookies
Soft, flavorful Christmas cookies with a delicate vanilla and lemon aroma, perfect for festive decorating and sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients including sifted flour, sugar, cream of tartar, soda, and salt.
- Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat eggs and mix with vanilla flavoring and lemon extract.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Shape the dough into two balls.
- Refrigerate the dough for 24 hours.
- Cut each dough ball in half.
- Roll out each portion to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies with Christmas cookie cutters, only taking out one ball of dough at a time.
- Leave the remaining dough in the refrigerator.
- Bake at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, avoiding browning.
- Decorate and ice the cookies for Christmas.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment with flavored extracts to customize the cookie taste. For a more festive touch, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter to the dough before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday parties and make delightful gifts. Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat. They pair beautifully with Never Fail Divinity Candy for a sweet holiday platter. For added flair, decorate cookies with icing and festive sprinkles before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Christmas Cookies contains roughly 260 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 738mg per serving (32% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out. This makes it convenient for holiday baking, allowing you to cut and bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.
What kind of decorations can I use for the cookies?
You can use royal icing, fondant, or simple powdered sugar glaze to decorate your cookies. Sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter can add a festive touch. Feel free to get creative and involve kids in decorating for a fun holiday activity.
Can I use different flavors instead of lemon extract?
Absolutely! You can substitute lemon extract with almond extract or even orange extract for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the strength of the extract and adjust the quantity to your taste preference.
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).