GRANDMA’S CHRISTMAS COOKIE RECIPE

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s transform those simple ingredients into delightful cookies! Here’s the breakdown for each type:

1. Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, cream together your butter and sugars until fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Eggs and Flavoring: Mix in eggs and your choice of flavoring (vanilla and almond). Ensure it’s well combined.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour and any other dry ingredients you’re using. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

4. Shape the Cookies: Depending on the type of cookie, shape the dough. For Spritz cookies, use a cookie press to form your designs. For thumbprints, create wells in the dough to fill later with jam.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-12 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden. The thumbprint cookies need to cool, so don’t forget to fill them with jam once they’re cooled down.

Best ways to enjoy it

These cookies are versatile, making them perfect for any festive occasion! Serve them on a colorful platter dusted with powdered sugar or arrange them in a festive tin as a thoughtful gift. Pair them with a warm cup of milk, hot cocoa, or even a peppermint latte for that cozy touch during the holiday season.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them for much longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are placed in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Helpful cooking tips

Baking is a science, and here are a few pro tips to elevate your cookie baking experience:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve that creamy texture when creaming the butter and sugars.

• Chill Dough: If your dough feels too soft to shape, especially for sugar cookies, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can make all the difference.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to introduce your favorite flavors! Instead of almond extract, try coconut or even a hint of peppermint for a festive twist.

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with decorations and add-ins. Here are some fun ideas to twist the classic recipe:

• Different Sprinkles: Swap out traditional sprinkles for themed ones, like snowflakes or stars for a winter wonderland vibe.

• Flavored Candy Melts: Explore different flavored candy melts, like lavender or lemon, to surprise your taste buds.

• Nut Butters: Add almond or peanut butter for an extra depth of flavor in your thumbprint cookies.

FAQ

How long do these cookies take to prepare?

From start to finish, you can expect about an hour, including prep and baking time.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! If you don’t have certain ingredients, many of the items, like flavorings and sugars, can be swapped for what you have on hand.

Are these cookies freezable?

Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container and follow the thawing instructions mentioned.

With these grandmas’ Christmas cookies, you’ll surely create not only delicious treats but also lasting memories with family and friends during the holiday season. Enjoy the baking experience, and happy holidays!

Spritz Cookies

Delightful and colorful Spritz cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings, embody the joy of Christmas baking with their buttery flavor and unique shapes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Spritz Cookies

• 1 cup salted sweet cream butter softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp clear vanilla flavoring
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 oz red candy melts
• 8 oz green candy melts
• Nonpareil sprinkles

For the Classic Christmas Cookies

• 1 stick salted butter softened
• 2 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Red & green sanding sugar

For the Sugar Cookies

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3+1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups salted butter
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 cup butter flavored shortening
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4-5 tbsp heavy cream

For the Thumbprint Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup jam for filling

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together your butter and sugars until fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Mix in eggs and your choice of flavoring (vanilla and almond). Ensure it’s well combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour and any other dry ingredients you’re using. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. Depending on the type of cookie, shape the dough. For Spritz cookies, use a cookie press to form your designs. For thumbprints, create wells in the dough to fill later with jam.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-12 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden.
2. For thumbprint cookies, allow them to cool and fill them with jam after they are cooled down.

Notes

Cookies can be served on a colorful platter dusted with powdered sugar or arranged in a festive tin as a thoughtful gift. Pair them with a warm cup of milk, hot cocoa, or a peppermint latte for a cozy touch during the holiday season. Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Chilling the dough can help with shaping if it's too soft.