Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 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 granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk

• Assorted sprinkles or colored sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add buttermilk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a soft consistency.

5. Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place on the lined baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with a glass.

6. Decorate and Bake: Sprinkle with assorted decorations. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.

Gingerbread Men

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Icing and candies for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until dough forms.

5. Roll and Cut: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men.

6. Bake and Decorate: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until firm. Cool on wire racks. Decorate with icing and candies as desired.

Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies

• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.

4. Add Mix-ins: Stir in crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips.

5. Drop Dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake and Cool: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until cookies are set. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.