There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas cookies, isn’t there? The aroma of vanilla filling the house, the joy of cutting out fun shapes, and the excitement of decorating each one. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Christmas cookies that are sweet, buttery, and hold their shape perfectly while baking. And the best part? You don’t need to chill the dough! Whether you’re decorating them with icing, chocolate, or enjoying them plain, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer to your home.
Ingredients
- 225g / 1 cup unsalted butter (softened; if using salted butter, skip the salt)
- 1 cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (55-60g)
- 3 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
Step-by-Step : How to Make Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F (or 160°C fan). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy. This should take about 1 minute on medium speed (or speed 5 if using an electric mixer).
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Start mixing slowly to avoid flour flying everywhere, then increase the speed until everything is well incorporated. The dough will be a bit clumpy.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Dust your work surface with a bit of flour. Divide the dough in half and shape each into discs. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness:
- 0.3 cm / ⅛ inch for thinner, crispier cookies.
- 0.6 cm / ¼ inch for thicker, softer cookies.
Step 6: Cut Out Shapes
Using your favorite cookie cutters, press out festive shapes. Use a spatula to transfer the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. If the dough isn’t being baked right away, keep it in the fridge to maintain its texture.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through (move the one on top to the bottom and vice versa) to ensure even baking. The cookies are ready when the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool completely on the trays. They’ll firm up as they cool and will be ready to decorate or enjoy plain!
Details And Nutritional Information
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 5g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: After adding the flour, mix just until everything is incorporated to prevent tough cookies.
- Flour the Work Surface: Don’t forget to sprinkle flour under and over your dough to keep it from sticking.
- Swapping Trays: This trick ensures both trays bake evenly. If your cookies brown too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter: You can use salted butter instead of unsalted—just skip adding the salt in the recipe.
- Flavors: Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
- Decorations: Besides icing, you can dip these cookies in melted chocolate or dust them with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling and cutting.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! This recipe is designed to skip that chilling step. However, if your kitchen is very warm, a quick 10-minute chill in the fridge can help firm up the dough.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to 1 week. After that, they may start to dry out slightly, but they’re still delicious!
Storage Instructions
Once baked, store your Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 7 days, though they taste best within the first week. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just ensure they’re fully cooled and properly sealed.
More Holiday Recipes
Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out these festive favorites:
- Gingerbread Men Cookies – Perfectly spiced and so fun to decorate.
- Peppermint Bark – A holiday classic that’s quick and easy to make.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Soft, fudgy, and always a hit during the holidays.
These Christmas cookies are versatile, fun to make, and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face! Whether you’re whipping them up with kids or making them for a party, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
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Christmas Cookies (Vanilla Biscuits / Sugar Cookies)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cookies are sweet, buttery vanilla biscuits that hold their shape perfectly when baked, making them ideal for cutting into festive shapes. No chilling required, and they’re wonderful plain or decorated with icing, chocolate, or powdered sugar. A must-try for the holiday season—fun to make, delicious to eat!
Ingredients
- 225g / 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or salted, skip the salt)
- 1 cup caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (55-60g)
- 3 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- ¾ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy (about 1 minute).
- Add egg and vanilla, beating until fully combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix slowly, then increase speed until the dough forms clumps.
- Divide dough in half, roll each half out on a floured surface to 0.3cm (for crispier cookies) or 0.6cm (for softer cookies).
- Use cookie cutters to press out shapes, then transfer to baking sheets.
- Bake for 10 minutes, swapping trays halfway, until edges are just golden.
- Cool on trays, then decorate or serve plain.
Notes
- The dough doesn’t need to be chilled, but if your kitchen is warm, a quick chill can help with handling.
- For even baking, remember to swap the trays halfway through baking.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sweet Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 5g
- Cholesterol: 16mg