Holiday Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, bringing warmth and cheer. Holiday cookies are more than just a treat; they embody the spirit of celebration, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. Whether you’re decorating them with loved ones or enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to create lasting memories. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone at your holiday gathering reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups white sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (for decoration)
– Food coloring (optional)
– Sprinkles and edible decorations
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 50g) contains around 150 calories, 8g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This nutritional information is based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or your hands.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
10. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking to make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of the egg. You can also replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Serving and Pairings
Holiday cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. They can also be served alongside festive desserts like fruitcake or gingerbread houses, adding variety to your holiday spread.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough can result in spreading during baking.
- Using too much flour can make cookies dry; measure accurately.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven can lead to uneven baking.
- Not allowing cookies to cool on the sheet can cause breakage.
Helpful Tips
- Use parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
- Decorate with icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.
FAQs
What types of decorations can I use for holiday cookies?
You can use royal icing, fondant, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate your holiday cookies. Get creative with colors and designs to match your festive theme!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just make sure to let it soften slightly before rolling and cutting.
How should I store decorated cookies?
Store decorated cookies in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent the icing from getting sticky or melting.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough before baking and ensure you’re using the correct flour-to-fat ratio.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. Consider using a mix of both for a lighter cookie.
Conclusion
Holiday cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season, bringing joy and sweetness to your festivities. With this recipe, you can create beautiful, delicious cookies that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking and enjoy the festive spirit!
Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar for decoration
- Food coloring optional
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or your hands.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
