The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, delicious, easy holiday cookies? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide is packed with simple yet impressive recipes and tips to make your holiday baking a breeze. We’ll cover everything from classic gingerbread men to melt-in-your-mouth snickerdoodles, ensuring your cookie jar is always full of festive cheer. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Table Of Contents
Similar to our collection of easy holiday cookies recipes, this guide emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We understand that the holidays can be a hectic time, so we’ve curated a selection of Easy Holiday Cookies Recipe ideas that are quick to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with loved ones.
Classic Holiday Cookies: Simple and Satisfying
No holiday season is complete without a few traditional favorites. These easy holiday cookies recipe ideas are perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Gingerbread Cookies: A quintessential holiday treat, gingerbread cookies are a must-have. Our simple recipe requires no chilling time, making them even easier to whip up. Imagine the aroma of warm gingerbread filling your kitchen! Doesn’t that sound delightful?
- Sugar Cookies: These versatile cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity. From simple frosting to elaborate decorations, sugar cookies offer endless possibilities for festive fun. Get the kids involved in decorating – it’s a great way to create lasting holiday memories.
Classic Holiday Gingerbread and Sugar Cookies
Beyond the Basics: Unique and Delicious Holiday Cookie Recipes
Looking to impress your guests with something a little different? These unique easy holiday cookies recipe options will add a touch of flair to your holiday spread.
- Cranberry Orange Shortbread: The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes these shortbread cookies a refreshing twist on a classic. They’re elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.
- Peppermint Bark Cookies: These festive cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the cool crunch of peppermint bark. They’re a perfect after-dinner treat or a delightful addition to your holiday cookie exchange.
Unique Holiday Cranberry Orange and Peppermint Bark Cookies
Tips for Baking Perfect Holiday Cookies
Baking is a science, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. These simple tips will help you achieve perfect results every time. These are little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up over years of baking, and they’ve never let me down.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients. This ensures the correct proportions for optimal texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough (if required): Chilling helps prevent cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Use parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
This reminds me of the time I was baking gingerbread cookies for a holiday party and forgot to chill the dough. They spread out so thin they looked like gingerbread pancakes! It was a baking disaster, but it taught me a valuable lesson. Now, I always make sure to chill my dough, especially when using an easy gingerbread cookie recipe like the one featured in this guide or found in our other articles on best gingerbread cookie recipes.
Perfect Holiday Cookie Baking Tips Illustration
Easy Holiday Cookies Recipe: Snickerdoodles
Want a foolproof easy holiday cookies recipe? Snickerdoodles are the answer. These cinnamon-sugar coated cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. For a truly delicious experience, check out our best snickerdoodle cookie recipes for more variations and inspiration. This simple easy gingerbread cookie recipe is also another great option for a fuss-free holiday baking experience. And if you are feeling adventurous and want to explore beyond cookies, our best raspberry cheesecake recipes offer a decadent and festive dessert option.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Easy Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe Steps
Baking easy holiday cookies is a wonderful way to spread joy and create lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and enjoy the magic of holiday baking!
