Mini Christmas Cookies
Mini Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. With their sweet, buttery flavor and charming appearance, these bite-sized cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a cozy snack at home. They fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of baked goods and bring joy with every bite. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, Mini Christmas Cookies are a beloved holiday tradition.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Mini Christmas Cookies
These Mini Christmas Cookies are not just easy to make; they also offer endless versatility for holiday celebrations. Their small size makes them perfect for cookie trays and dessert tables. You can easily customize these cookies with different decorations like colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips, which can engage kids in the kitchen and add even more fun to your baking experience. Plus, the feeling of sharing homemade cookies warms the heart even more during the chilly holiday season!
How to Make Mini Christmas Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Step 2: Mixing
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the mixture aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract.
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Step 3: Combining
Gradually blend the dry ingredients from the small bowl into the creamed mixture, stirring until fully combined.
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Step 4: Forming and Baking
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Decorate each cookie with chocolate chips or sprinkles. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Mini Christmas Cookies
Serve these cookies on a festive platter at holiday parties, or package them in colorful boxes as delightful gifts for friends and family. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite holiday beverage.
How to Store Mini Christmas Cookies
To keep your Mini Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Christmas Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for optimal mixing. If you’re in a hurry, cut the butter into small pieces to soften faster.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. Avoid packing it down to ensure your cookies aren’t too dry.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking; they should be just lightly golden around the edges.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding nutmeg, cinnamon, or even peppermint extract for festive flavors.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Use mini chocolate chips instead of regular for extra sweetness and fun.
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Holiday Spritz: Use festive cookie cutters for enjoyment as holiday shapes, perfect for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used, but for the best flavor and texture, use unsalted butter whenever possible.
- What can I substitute for eggs? You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup applesauce, a mashed banana, or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flax meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
- How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Ensure that your butter is properly creamed and consider chilling the dough before baking to maintain the cookie shape.
- What if my dough is too dry? Add a splash of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough reaches the desired consistency.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months.
Conclusion
Mini Christmas Cookies are not just a treat; they are a way to spread joy and warmth during the holiday season. With their simple ingredients and easy steps, they make for a perfect baking activity with family and friends. Try them out and bring a little festive cheer into your home or share them with loved ones for smiles all around. Happy baking!
Print
Mini Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful bite-sized cookies that capture the festive spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Chocolate chips or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully combined.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Decorate with chocolate chips or sprinkles. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
Chill the dough for thicker cookies. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for three months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
