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Delicious Cookies Recipe: 7 Easy Christmas Cookie Box Ideas

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This versatile cookie recipe uses one base dough to create seven festive Christmas cookies, perfect for gifting, parties, or cozy holiday nights. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender and sure to become a family tradition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (80g) chocolate chips (for variation)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) sprinkles (for variation)
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon (for snickerdoodle style)
  • Jam (raspberry or apricot, for thumbprints)
  • 2 tbsp (16g) unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate cookies)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Zest from 1 orange (optional)
  • Food coloring (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Add softened butter and granulated sugar to a mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or 4 minutes by hand.
  2. Crack in the egg and pour in vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough comes together. If sticky, add 1-2 tbsp extra flour.
  4. Divide the dough into 7 equal portions. Add desired mix-ins (chocolate chips, sprinkles, jam, cocoa powder, nuts, cinnamon, orange zest, or food coloring) to each portion and knead gently.
  5. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). For drop cookies, scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a lined cookie sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. For cut-outs, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. For thumbprints, roll into balls, press thumb in center, and fill with jam.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set. For thicker cookies, bake 2 minutes longer. Rotate pan halfway through baking if needed.
  8. Cool cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
  9. Decorate cooled cookies with icing, extra sprinkles, or chocolate. Let set before boxing or serving.

Notes

For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and a flax egg. Chill dough for best results and measure flour carefully to avoid dry cookies. Decorate with festive sprinkles, icing, or melted chocolate for holiday flair. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, cookie box, holiday baking, easy cookies, one dough cookies, festive cookies, gifting, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodle, thumbprint cookies

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/delicious-cookies-recipe-7-easy-christmas-cookie-box-ideas/