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Christmas Cookies and Baking Recipes: A Festive Guide to Sweet Holiday Treats

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house. Christmas cookies are more than just desserts—they are a tradition, a way to gather friends and family, and an opportunity to unleash creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prefer classic buttery sugar cookies, rich chocolate delights, or spiced holiday treats, this guide will walk you through some of the best Christmas cookie recipes and baking techniques step by step.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are a staple of Christmas baking. They’re soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles.

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 (optional)
• Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough forms.
6. Roll and cut cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into festive shapes with cookie cutters.
7. Decorate and bake: Place on baking sheets, sprinkle with colored sugar, and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool and enjoy: Let cookies cool on wire racks before serving or decorating with icing.

2. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkles are rich, fudgy, and covered in powdered sugar, giving them a snow-dusted look perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Method:

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and oil: Combine cocoa powder, sugar, and oil in a large bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
2. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the cocoa mixture.
3. Chill dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Form balls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in powdered sugar.
5. Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes. Cookies will crack on top as they expand.
6. Cool: Let cool on wire racks for 5–10 minutes and enjoy the fudgy texture.

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