What’s your favorite holiday cookie tradition? These decorated christmas cookies are a family favorite, made easy with simple sugar cookie dough and royal icing. Perfect for a quick homemade treat, save this idea for your next festive gathering or pin for later.

Decorated Christmas Cookies on a Blue and White Plate

Introduction

Baking decorated Christmas cookies is a timeless tradition that brings joy and warmth to the holiday season. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative flair, you can create a stunning platter of decorated Christmas cookies on a blue and white plate that are almost too beautiful to eat. The combination of crunchy edges, chewy centers, and vibrant decorations makes these cookies a perfect treat for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or simply as a sweet indulgence. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of baking and decorating these delightful cookies, using everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe relies on basic baking ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, which are readily available in most kitchens. The addition of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
• Ease of preparation: The dough comes together quickly, and the decorating process is straightforward, making it a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a visually stunning platter of cookies that looks like it was made by a professional baker.

Key Ingredients

To make these decorated Christmas cookies, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure and texture for the cookies.
• 1 tsp baking powder: This helps the cookies to rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda: This helps to balance the acidity in the dough and promotes browning.
• 1 tsp salt: This enhances the flavor and helps to balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness, tenderness, and flavor to the cookies.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This provides sweetness and helps to balance the flavor.
• 1 egg: This helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookies.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: This adds a subtle, creamy flavor to the cookies.
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating: These add a pop of color and fun to the cookies.

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, and use different types of sugar or flavor extracts to create unique variations.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
4. Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Step 5: Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to decorate! Use colored sugar, sprinkles, or royal icing to create your desired designs. You can also use piping bags and tips to create more intricate designs.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up. This will help the cookies to retain their shape and bake up with a nice texture.
• Use a variety of cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes. This will add visual interest to your platter and make it more fun to eat.
• Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be lightly golden around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. Overbaking can cause the cookies to become dry and crumbly.
• Experiment with different decorating techniques, such as using royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles. You can also add a few drops of extract, such as peppermint or almond, to the dough for extra flavor.

Heat Control

When baking the cookies, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing. The ideal temperature for baking these cookies is 375°F (190°C), and they should be baked for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. If you’re unsure whether the cookies are done, check for the following signs:

• The edges should be lightly golden and set.
• The centers should be slightly soft and pale.
• The cookies should be firm to the touch but still yield to pressure.

If you’re using a convection oven, you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of these cookies is all about the texture. The edges should be crispy and golden, while the centers should be chewy and soft. To achieve this, make sure to not overbake the cookies, and keep an eye on the temperature and timing. You can also try baking the cookies for a few minutes less or more to get the desired texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to line your baking sheet. This will help the cookies to bake evenly and prevent them from spreading too much.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up. This will help the cookies to retain their shape and bake up with a nice texture.
• Use a variety of cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes. This will add visual interest to your platter and make it more fun to eat.
• Experiment with different decorating techniques, such as using royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles. You can also add a few drops of extract, such as peppermint or almond, to the dough for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheat the cookies in the microwave or oven if you prefer them warm. Simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These decorated Christmas cookies are perfect for gift-giving, and can be packaged in a variety of ways to make them look beautiful and festive. Here are a few ideas:

• Place the cookies in a decorative tin or jar, and wrap with ribbon or twine.
• Use cellophane bags or wrapping paper to create a colorful and festive package.
• Add a few decorative touches, such as sprigs of holly or candy canes, to make the package look more festive.

You can also include a personalized note or card to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor.
• Creative toppings: Use different types of sugar, sprinkles, or icing to create unique and colorful designs.
• Ingredient swaps: Try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to create a unique texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the cookies are too dry or crumbly, try adding a little more butter or egg to the dough. If they’re too soft or chewy, try baking them for a few minutes longer.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, try substituting it with something similar. For example, you can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract, or use a different type of sugar.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking, and check for the following signs:
  • The edges should be lightly golden and set.
  • The centers should be slightly soft and pale.
  • The cookies should be firm to the touch but still yield to pressure.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cookies. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two, and follow the same instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these decorated Christmas cookies on a blue and white plate are a delicious and beautiful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their crunchy edges, chewy centers, and vibrant decorations, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort for maximum impact. So why not get creative and make a batch of these stunning cookies today? With a little practice and patience, you’ll be a pro at decorating Christmas cookies in no time. Happy baking!