Ah, Christmas ornament cookies! They’re not just cookies; they’re little edible treasures that bring so much joy to the holiday season. I can still remember the first time I baked these with my family—flour flying everywhere, laughter echoing through the kitchen, and that delightful aroma wafting in from the oven. Every time I pull out these festive treats, I’m reminded of cozy gatherings with friends and family, decorating the cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. They truly add a sprinkle of magic to any celebration, and the best part? Everyone loves them! So, whether you’re hanging them on your tree or sharing them as gifts, these Christmas ornament cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your home. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful goodies together!
Ingredients for Christmas Ornament Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookies, giving them that classic texture we all love.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps our cookies rise and gives them that perfect fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – A little extra lift to keep them light and airy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy creaming; this adds richness and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – For that sweet, delightful taste that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1 egg – This binds everything together and adds a bit of moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that warm, comforting flavor we all associate with baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A little twist that adds a lovely depth of flavor to our cookies.
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar – This will be our icing sugar, perfect for decorating those beautiful ornaments.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Just enough to loosen up our icing to the perfect consistency.
- Food coloring (optional) – Get creative! Add some color to your icing for a festive touch.
How to Prepare Christmas Ornament Cookies
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step, so don’t skip it! While it’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed—this ensures our cookies will have that perfect rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in a separate bowl, it’s time to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but if you’re feeling adventurous, a wooden spoon works too! Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—trust me, this will make your cookies extra delicious.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, let’s add some flavor! Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract into the butter-sugar mix. This is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing! Make sure everything is well combined and creamy.
Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually blend in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough; we want it to be tender and lovely. You should end up with a nice, soft dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Here comes the fun part! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, making sure to leave some space between them—these little guys will spread out a bit while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges. Just keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden color!
Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the perfect time to prepare your icing! Once they’re cool, you can unleash your creativity and decorate them with icing. Get colorful, have fun with sprinkles, and make them as festive as your heart desires!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all levels, even if you’re just starting out!
- The festive appearance is sure to impress at any holiday gathering or cookie swap.
- They’re a delightful addition to your family’s holiday traditions, making lasting memories with loved ones.
- These cookies not only taste amazing but also fill your home with that warm, sweet aroma that screams “Christmas!”
- The decorating options are endless—get creative with colors and designs to make each cookie unique.
- They’re perfect for gifting; who wouldn’t love a box of beautifully decorated Christmas ornament cookies?
- These cookies are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet—absolutely irresistible!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your Christmas ornament cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Chill Your Dough: If you find your dough is a bit sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Icing Consistency: When making your icing, you want it to be smooth but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in some confectioners’ sugar until you reach the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Get Creative: Use different piping tips for your icing to create various designs. A star tip is great for fun swirls, while a round tip can help you write names or greetings on your cookies.
- Sprinkle While Wet: If you’re adding sprinkles or edible glitter, do it while the icing is still wet so they stick nicely. Once the icing dries, they won’t adhere!
- Storage Tip: To keep your cookies fresh and soft, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between. This will prevent them from sticking together and drying out.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first few cookies don’t turn out exactly as planned. Baking is all about fun and creativity, so embrace the process and enjoy every moment!
Variations on Christmas Ornament Cookies
One of the best things about Christmas ornament cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up and make them your own. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Flavorful Extracts: Experiment with different extracts! Instead of almond, try using peppermint extract for a refreshing twist, or even orange extract for a citrusy zing that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Spice Things Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the festive season beautifully.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Mix in some mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful surprise in every bite. Who doesn’t love a little chocolate?
- Colorful Icing: Use vibrant food coloring to create a rainbow of icing options. Imagine bright reds, greens, and blues—your cookies will be the star of the show!
- Fun Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles on top of the icing for a pop of color and a fun texture. You can use holiday-themed sprinkles or even edible glitter for a dazzling effect!
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Sandwich Cookies: Make them into sandwich cookies by adding a layer of icing or your favorite jam between two cookies. It’s like a sweet surprise waiting to be discovered!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your very own signature Christmas ornament cookies. It’s all about having fun and sharing your creations with loved ones!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delightful Christmas ornament cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and ready to enjoy! To store them, simply place your cookies in an airtight container. I recommend layering them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking—trust me, this little trick goes a long way in keeping them nice and soft.
You can keep them at room temperature for about a week, but if you want to keep them even fresher for longer, pop them in the fridge. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, so they’re nice and soft again!
If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare when I make them!), you can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No reheating needed—enjoy them cold or let them warm up a bit for that fresh-baked taste!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for our delightful Christmas ornament cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect when indulging in these festive treats.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugars: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
These cookies are a sweet treat to enjoy during the holidays, and with a little moderation, they can fit right into your festive celebrations. Just remember, it’s all about balance and the joy of sharing delicious cookies with loved ones!
FAQ About Christmas Ornament Cookies
Got questions about making these festive Christmas ornament cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers to help you on your baking journey.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Sure thing! While I always prefer the rich flavor of unsalted butter, you can use margarine as a substitute. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing, and you should still get a delicious cookie!
What can I substitute for the egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. Both work well to bind the ingredients together and keep your cookies moist!
How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
Great question! If your icing is too thick, simply add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in some more confectioners’ sugar until it thickens up nicely. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge to keep them soft and sweet for up to two weeks!
Can I decorate the cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, I often decorate them a day or two in advance, especially if I’m prepping for a holiday party. Just make sure to store them in a single layer to prevent the icing from getting messed up.
What’s the best way to transport these cookies?
If you’re sharing them with friends or taking them to a gathering, I recommend stacking them in a single layer in a sturdy container. If you need to layer them, place parchment paper between each layer to keep the icing intact. Everyone will love the effort you put into it!
I hope these FAQs help you feel more confident in your baking! Remember, the most important part is to have fun and enjoy the process of making these delightful Christmas ornament cookies!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Ornament Cookies That Spark Joy for the Holidays
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious cookies shaped like Christmas ornaments.
Składniki
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extracts.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool, then decorate with icing.
Uwagi
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors for icing for a festive look.
- These cookies are great for gifting.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas ornament cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats











