Mini Christmas Cookies are delightful little treats that capture the essence of the holiday season. With their delicate texture, sweet flavor, and colorful festive decorations, these cookies are a perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations. Easy to make and share, they evoke joyful memories and bring a smile to every face. Let’s dive into this charming cookie recipe that will ensure your holiday gatherings are filled with sweetness.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 90
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 45mg
Why Make This Mini Christmas Cookies
These Mini Christmas Cookies are not just adorable; they also embody the spirit of the holiday. Their small size makes them perfect for cookie platters or as sweet gifts for friends and family. The combination of buttery flavor and sweetness, decorated with colorful sprinkles or sugar, makes them visually appealing and a joy to eat. Plus, with their simple ingredients and easy instructions, they’re a great activity to involve kids in during the holiday preparations.
How to Make Mini Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a light cookie texture. Then, beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Step 3: Cooking
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. To shape the cookies, roll the dough into small balls and place them on a cookie sheet, flattening each ball slightly for even baking. Decorate them with sprinkles or colored sugar, adding a festive touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Step 4: Finishing
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Once cooled, they are ready to be served or enjoyed!
How to Serve Mini Christmas Cookies
These cookies are versatile during the holiday season. Serve them on a beautiful platter alongside other holiday treats, or package them in decorative tins as thoughtful gifts for friends and neighbors. Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store Mini Christmas Cookies
To maintain their freshness, store the Mini Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just ensure they are individually wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Christmas Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft; refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Experiment with different decorations, like chocolate chips, nuts, or edible glitter, for variety.
- If you want a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them for an additional minute or two.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies, ensuring even baking.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: After baking, dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts to the dough for an extra crunch.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive flavor.
- Filled Christmas Cookies: Flatten the dough and place a dollop of jam in the center before sealing it up for a surprise inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used, using unsalted butter will provide the best flavor and texture.
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What can I use instead of egg yolk? You can use a flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as a vegan alternative.
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How can I make these gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum.
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What if my dough is too sticky? Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
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Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store in a freezer bag for later baking.
Conclusion
Making Mini Christmas Cookies is a delightful way to bring the joy of baking into your home during the holiday season. Their charming size and sweet flavor make them a hit for gatherings or as sweet gifts. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create these tasty bites that carry the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the heartwarming experience of baking together. Happy holidays!
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Mini Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful little treats that capture the essence of the holiday season, perfect for gatherings and gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet, flattening slightly.
- Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
