The smell of freshly baked cookies and the warmth of the oven filling up the house is one of the most beloved parts of the Christmas season. It’s the time of year when baking becomes a favorite activity, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a plate of homemade cookies with loved ones.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients, this ultimate guide has got you covered. In this post, we explore the most popular and most searched Christmas cookie recipes, including gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and snowball cookies. Let’s get started!
Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
No Christmas cookie spread is complete without the classic gingerbread cookie. It’s a favorite of many with its spicy and sweet flavor and festive shape. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and egg until creamy.
- Add molasses and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are firm and the middle is set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Snowball Cookie Recipe
Snowball cookies are a little less traditional but are gaining popularity in recent years. They are also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes and are perfect for those who love shortbread cookies. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In large mixing bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add in flour mixture until just combined.
- Stir in walnuts or pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- While still warm, roll in additional powdered sugar.
- Let cool completely and roll again in powdered sugar.
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a holiday classic and a blank canvas for decorating with frosting and sprinkles. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add in egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with frosting and sprinkles.
What is the most popular Christmas cookie in America?
Now that we’ve covered some of the classic Christmas cookie recipes, let’s take a look at what’s trending and which cookies are the most popular in America. A survey conducted by General Mills found that the most popular Christmas cookie in America is the chocolate chip cookie. However, when it comes to holiday-specific cookies, gingerbread cookies take the cake.
What is New York’s favorite Christmas cookie?
New York’s favorite Christmas cookie is the black and white cookie. Although not specifically a holiday cookie, it is a classic New York treat that fits in perfectly with any Christmas cookie spread.
What is the popular cookie during Christmas season?
Aside from the gingerbread cookie and sugar cookie, the popular cookie during the Christmas season is the peppermint bark cookie. These cookies combine the flavors of chocolate and peppermint and are often topped with crushed candy canes.
What is the most searched Christmas cookie?
According to Google Trends, the most searched Christmas cookie is the snowball cookie, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies. This shortbread cookie is rolled in powdered sugar and has a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Christmas Butter Cookies
Butter cookies are another classic that can be made for any occasion, but they’re particularly popular during the Christmas season. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add in egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Best Christmas Cookies Recipes with Pictures
If you’re looking for inspiration or just want to drool over some delicious-looking cookies, check out Pinterest. It’s filled with beautiful and mouth-watering cookie photos that will have you running to the kitchen to whip up a batch yourself.
Holiday Cookie Recipes
In addition to the classic Christmas cookies mentioned above, there are many other holiday-themed cookies worth trying. Here are a few ideas:
- Peanut Butter Blossoms: Peanut butter cookies with a Hershey’s Kiss in the center.
- Hot Cocoa Cookies: Chocolate cookies with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Eggnog Cookies: Soft and chewy cookies with eggnog in the dough.
- Red Velvet Cookies: Red velvet cake in cookie form, with cream cheese frosting.
- Cinnamon Roll Cookies: Cookies that taste like cinnamon rolls, complete with icing drizzled on top.
In conclusion, Christmas cookies are a time-honored tradition that can bring the whole family together. Whether you’re making classic gingerbread cookies or trying out a trendy snowball cookie recipe, the possibilities are endless. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats with your loved ones and have a happy holiday season!