Christmas Cookies Recipe


Christmas Cookies Recipe



20 min
2-3 People
15 min




Introduction:

 

Ah, the magic of Christmas! It's that time of the year when the air is filled with the sweet scent of baking, laughter echoes through the kitchen, and families gather to create cherished memories. Growing up, Christmas meant more than just presents under the tree; it meant spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious homemade treats. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother's kitchen during the holiday season, where the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air, signaling the start of festive celebrations. Today, I'm excited to share with you our family's cherished recipe for Christmas cookies, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Let's gather around the kitchen counter and create some magical moments together!

 

 

 

Christmas Cookies Recipe by Chef Ajay Chopra

 

Ingredients:

 

  • Butter – 1 cup
  • Castor sugar – ½ cup
  • Maida (All-purpose flour) – 1 cup
  • Spice mix (cloves, cinnamon, star anise, black pepper)
  • Baking powder – 1 tsp
  • Egg – 1 no
  • Milk – 1 tbsp
  • Dusting flour for rolling out the dough
  • Icing sugar for garnish

 

 

Method:

 

  1. In a planetary mixer or using a hand blender, cream the butter and sugar together until the sugar melts.

  2. In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients such as flour, spice mix, and baking powder. Combine them well.

  3. Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the dry ingredients to the mixer or bowl. Mix until well combined. Then, add the egg and a tablespoon of milk to the mixture. Continue mixing until a dough forms.

  4. Lightly knead the dough with some dusting flour. Roll it out to your desired thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

  5. Place the cookies on a lined baking tray and bake them at 180 degrees Celsius for 14-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

  6. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely. Garnish them with icing sugar and serve.

 

Note: These Christmas cookies are perfect for the festive season. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or give them as gifts to friends and family.

 

 

 

About the Recipe:

 

Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition during the holiday season, bringing joy and warmth to homes around the world. These delightful treats come in various shapes, flavors, and textures, but they all share one thing in common – they're made with love. From classic sugar cookies decorated with colorful icing to spiced gingerbread cookies shaped like festive figures, there's a Christmas cookie recipe to suit every taste and preference. Whether you're baking them for Santa Claus or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, Christmas cookies are sure to spread cheer and happiness wherever they go.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

  1. Use room temperature ingredients for best results, especially butter and eggs, as they cream together more easily.
  2. Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  3. Don't overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
  4. Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to line your baking sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
  5. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Decorate your cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
  7. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Christmas cookies pair well with a variety of beverages and desserts, enhancing their flavors and creating a delightful taste experience. Here are some pairing suggestions:

 

  • Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk for a classic and nostalgic treat.
  • Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows for a cozy and comforting indulgence.
  • Serve them alongside a scoop of peppermint ice cream for a festive and refreshing dessert.
  • Enjoy them with a warm mug of spiced chai tea for a flavorful and aromatic combination.

 

Experiment with different pairings to discover your favorite flavor combinations and create unforgettable holiday memories with your loved ones.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Cookies:

 

  1. Can I freeze Christmas cookie dough?

    • Yes, you can freeze Christmas cookie dough for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

  2. How long do Christmas cookies last?

    • Christmas cookies can last up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. However, some varieties may last longer if stored properly.

  3. Can I decorate Christmas cookies with fondant?

    • Yes, you can decorate Christmas cookies with fondant for a smooth and professional-looking finish. Roll out the fondant and use cookie cutters to create shapes to place on top of the cookies.

  4. What is the best way to store decorated Christmas cookies?

    • Store decorated Christmas cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

  5. Can I substitute butter with margarine in Christmas cookie recipes?

    • Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine in Christmas cookie recipes, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies slightly.

  6. How can I prevent my Christmas cookies from spreading too much during baking?

    • Chilling the cookie dough before baking and using parchment paper or silicone baking mats can help prevent Christmas cookies from spreading too much during baking.

  7. Can I add nuts or dried fruits to Christmas cookie dough?

    • Yes, you can add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or other mix-ins to Christmas cookie dough for added texture and flavor.

  8. What is the difference between royal icing and buttercream frosting for decorating Christmas cookies?

    • Royal icing dries hard and is ideal for detailed decorations and flooding, while buttercream frosting is softer and creamier, making it better for piping and adding texture.

  9. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in Christmas cookie recipes?

    • Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in Christmas cookie recipes, but keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture and slightly nuttier flavor.

  10. Can I make gluten-free Christmas cookies?

    • Yes, you can make gluten-free Christmas cookies by using gluten-free flour blends and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.