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Baking delicious homemade cookies with expert tips and techniques.

Christmas Cookies

These Christmas Cookies arrive buttery, slightly crisp at the edges, and soft in the middle, perfect for holiday gifting and decoration.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Helps control salt.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg Use room-temp for even mixing.
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
Icing Ingredients
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sift for smooth icing.
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk Adjust for consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla For icing.
  • Food coloring (red and green)
  • Sprinkles or decorative pearls

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and pale.
  3. Beat in the egg and 1½ teaspoons vanilla until glossy.
  4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
  5. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined sheet. Flatten each slightly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 8–10 minutes, watching for set edges and no browning on top.
  2. Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack.
Icing
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and icing vanilla until smooth. Add color and transfer to piping bags.
  2. Decorate cookies with colored icing, sprinkles, or pearls. Let icing set for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

To make cookies chewier, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. Chill dough for easier scooping. Avoid overbaking.