World'S Best Christmas Cookies
Delightful Christmas cookies with buttery flavor, perfect for festive gatherings. Easy to prepare, customizable with colors, and loved by children and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Stir in milk.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Divide the dough into quarters.
- Wrap each quarter in waxed paper and chill for 1 hour.
- Donate one quarter of the dough to children for nibbling and sculpting.
- Color the remaining dough with food coloring if desired.
- Roll the dough between floured sheets of waxed paper to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Cool slightly and remove to a rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you need a dairy-free option, almond or soy milk can replace regular milk. To easily roll out the dough, ensure your work surface and rolling pin are well-floured. Chilling the dough is crucial to maintain shape during baking, so don't skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of hot cocoa. For a delightful presentation, decorate with icing or sprinkles. They also pair beautifully with a slice of Hearty Homemade Soup for a cozy winter meal or can be enjoyed as a treat after a festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of World'S Best Christmas Cookies contains roughly 1487 calories, with 27g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 567mg per serving (25% 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 all-purpose flour instead of unbleached flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for unbleached flour without any issues. The cookies will still turn out delicious, although you might notice a slight difference in texture.
How long can I chill the dough?
You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours. If you need to chill it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out for easier handling.
What types of food coloring work best for this dough?
Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without adding too much liquid to the dough. Liquid food coloring can also be used, but it may slightly alter the dough's consistency. Start with a few drops and mix until you achieve the desired shade.
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).