There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and making easy Christmas treats brings that joy right into your kitchen! Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, festive parties, or just to enjoy at home, these delightful goodies capture the essence of the holidays. The warmth of freshly baked cookies fills the air, and trust me, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they indulge in these treats are priceless. Plus, they’re simple enough for anyone to whip up, making them the perfect way to spread cheer and create lasting memories. Get ready to embrace the festive spirit with these easy Christmas treats!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
- Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Treats
Making these easy Christmas treats is a delightful process that’s almost as enjoyable as eating them! Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a batch of festive cookies that are sure to impress everyone. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven is key for getting those lovely golden edges we all adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer—trust me, the fluffiness is what you want!
- Add in the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, and oh, that smell is heavenly!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
- Now it’s time to roll! Scoop out small balls of dough (about a tablespoon each) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them some space, as they will spread while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—oven times can vary! Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While they cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth for your icing. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies and finish them off with a sprinkle of red and green decorations for that festive touch!
And voila! Your easy Christmas treats are ready to be enjoyed. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone gathering around to see what you’ve made!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your easy Christmas treats, pay close attention to the dough texture. It should be soft but not sticky—if it feels too wet, add a little more flour. When baking, make sure to rotate your baking sheet halfway through for even cooking, as some ovens can have hot spots. For the icing, I recommend letting it set slightly before drizzling it over the cookies to create a lovely, smooth finish. And don’t forget, a light touch with the sprinkles makes all the difference in presentation—less is often more for that festive flair!
Variations of Easy Christmas Treats
There are so many fun ways to customize these easy Christmas treats! For a delightful minty twist, try adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough—it’ll make your cookies feel extra festive. If you’re in the mood for something nutty, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can add a touch of sweetness and chewiness that pairs beautifully with the cookies. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile. Get creative and make them your own; the possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information Section
Before diving into these delicious easy Christmas treats, it’s good to have an idea of their nutritional value. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are estimates and not exact figures. Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of your festive celebrations, and remember, the joy they bring is priceless!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! You can use margarine or any dairy-free butter substitute in this recipe. Just make sure it’s softened for easier mixing. The flavor might slightly change, but the treats will still be delicious!
How should I store my easy Christmas treats?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them individually to prevent freezer burn.
What’s the best way to ice these cookies?
For the smoothest icing, let the cookies cool completely before drizzling the icing on top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control. If you want a thicker icing, just add a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency!
Can I use different types of sugar for the icing?
Yes, you can experiment with different sugars! While powdered sugar gives you that classic icing texture, you could also try using a bit of brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. Just remember that it might affect the icing’s consistency.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface and on your hands while rolling. This will help you shape the cookies without them sticking. Just be careful not to add too much flour, or your cookies could turn out tough!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make, ready in just 27 minutes!
- Super easy to follow—perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously flavorful with a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Festively decorated with sprinkles, making them a visual treat for holiday gatherings.
- Customizable with different flavors and textures to suit everyone’s tastes.
- A wonderful way to create cherished memories with family and friends during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your easy Christmas treats fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you find you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat—just grab one and savor that holiday cheer all over again!
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Easy Christmas Treats: 5 Steps to Festive Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful assortment of easy Christmas treats that capture the festive spirit.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
- Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture.
- Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll small balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Top with red and green sprinkles.
Notes
- For variations, add peppermint extract for a minty flavor.
- You can substitute almond extract for a different taste.
- Consider adding crushed nuts or dried fruit for texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: easy christmas treats, holiday cookies, festive desserts
