Ready to whip up some festive cheer? You'll love this five-ingredient Christmas cookie recipe! Just grab 1 cup of softened butter, ¾ cup sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 2 cups flour, and 1 cup of holiday sprinkles. Preheat your oven to 350°F while mixing the butter and sugar until fluffy. Shape your dough into balls, coat them in sprinkles, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Voila! You've got sweet, buttery cookies that'll make your kitchen smell incredible. Plus, they're perfect for sharing—and trust me, your friends will be begging for more! Stick around for some fun variations.
Main Points
- This easy five-ingredient Christmas cookie recipe results in buttery, sweet treats perfect for holiday gifting or sharing.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and follow simple steps for delightful cookie baking.
- Decorate with colorful holiday sprinkles or experiment with toppings like chocolate chips and nuts.
- Allow cookies to bake until golden brown, adjusting time for desired texture.
- Baking cookies creates festive family traditions, enhancing the holiday spirit with delicious aromas and lasting memories.
Recipe: Five-Ingredient Cookie Delight
When the holiday season rolls around, there's something wonderfully alluring about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the air. These five-ingredient Christmas cookies aren't only simple to make but also embody the festive spirit with their delightful flavor and attractive appearance. Ideal for holiday gifting or sharing with loved ones, these cookies will quickly become a cherished staple in your Christmas baking repertoire.
Creating these cookies is a joyfully straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of treats that are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain alongside a hot beverage. The combination of buttery goodness and sweetness is sure to leave everyone reaching for another cookie right off the tray.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles (for decoration)
To make the cookies, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add in the salt and all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Next, shape the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they're spaced apart. Gently flatten each ball using the back of a fork or your fingers, and top with holiday sprinkles for a festive look. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Once they're done, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before savoring their delightful taste.
When preparing these cookies, consider experimenting with the toppings and flavors. You might choose to substitute the holiday sprinkles for festive chocolate chips or crushed nuts for added texture.
If you find you enjoy a softer cookie, try to slightly underbake them, while allowing them to bake a couple of extra minutes will result in a crunchier treat. Additionally, these cookies freeze beautifully, providing a great way to prepare ahead for any holiday gatherings or spontaneous celebrations!
Cooking Steps
Alright, it's time to get those cookies baking!
First up, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F because nobody likes cold cookies—trust me on that one.
Once your oven's all warmed up, we'll cream the butter and sugar like it's a dance-off, then roll those dough balls and get ready for some serious sprinkle action before they hit the oven!
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Before diving into mixing your ingredients, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it guarantees your cookies bake evenly and turn out just right. Imagine biting into a soft, warm cookie that's perfectly golden at the edges—yum!
So, while you gather your ingredients—a cup of softened butter, sugar, and some festive holiday sprinkles—let that oven work its magic. Just turn the dial, set the temperature, and let it warm up. It usually takes a few minutes, so you can grab a whisk or dance a little while you wait.
Now, why 350°F, you ask? Well, it's like the sweet spot for baking! Too hot, and your cookies might burn; too cool, and you'll be waiting forever for a crumbly result. You want that balance!
Once the oven beeps and reaches that cozy temperature, you'll be all set to mix and roll your dough. Just think of all the delightful scents that'll soon fill your kitchen. Get excited—your Christmas cookies are about to come to life!
Step 2. Cream Butter and Sugar
To create that luscious base for your Christmas cookies, you'll want to cream the butter and sugar together until they're light and fluffy. Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your softened butter, about a cup. Then, sprinkle in three-quarters of a cup of granulated sugar. It might feel like you're preparing for a mini science experiment, but trust me, the results are worth it!
Now, use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat the butter and sugar together. You'll want to keep mixing until the mixture turns a pale yellow and doubles in volume. This step is super important because it adds air, giving your cookies that delightful texture.
Don't rush this part—take a moment to enjoy the smell. Feel like a baking wizard yet?
Once you've reached that fluffy perfection, it's time to add a pinch of salt. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets mixed evenly.
This fluffy magic is the foundation for your holiday treats, setting the stage for all the delicious flavors to come. You're doing great—next up, we'll shape those cookie dough balls!
Step 3. Roll and Flatten Dough Balls
With your butter and sugar now creamed to perfection, it's time to shape the cookie dough. Grab a cookie scoop or just use your trusty hands to roll small balls of dough, about one inch in diameter. It doesn't have to be perfect, so don't sweat it if they're a bit lopsided—charm is key here!
Place each dough ball on a lined baking sheet, making sure they've got some space to grow.
Now comes the fun part! With the palm of your hand, gently flatten each ball. You can use a fork or your fingers, depending on your style—just don't squish them too flat. The goal is to give them a nice, round shape, with a little thickness.
If you're feeling a bit fancy, you can create a pattern with the fork. Just remember, these cookies aren't only delicious but also delightful, so make them count!
You're on your way to some extraordinary Christmas cookies, and you're doing a fantastic job. Next up, we're going to sprinkle some festive magic on these beauties before they hit the oven. So, let's keep the excitement rolling!
Step 4. Add Sprinkles Before Baking
Now that your dough balls are beautifully shaped, it's time to add a touch of festive flair before they head into the oven. Grab those holiday sprinkles you set aside, and get ready to sprinkle some magic!
As you sprinkle, try to cover each dough ball evenly. But hey, don't stress if a few extra sprinkles find their way onto the baking sheet; it just adds to the fun! If you're feeling adventurous, you can mix different kinds of sprinkles for a colorful combination.
To help you decide the best sprinkle style for your cookies, check out the table below:
| Sprinkle Type | Flavor Boost | Festive Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Rainbow | None | High |
| Metallic Gold/Silver | Subtle Sweet | Ultra High |
| Holiday Shapes | Fun Surprise | Mega High |
Once you've coated your dough balls with sprinkles, simply set them aside while you preheat your oven. That's it! Your cookies are one step closer to being the star of your holiday treats. Get ready for some delicious fun!
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
After you've decorated your cookies with sprinkles, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and set your timer for 10-12 minutes.
Now, this is where the magic happens! The aroma of baking cookies will fill your kitchen, and trust me, it's the best part. But keep an eye on those little masterpieces!
As they bake, watch for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. If you leave them in for too long, they might start to resemble tiny discs of charcoal. No one wants that!
So, if you like your cookies soft, take them out right around 10 minutes. If you're after that delightful crunch, let them go for a little longer—maybe 12 minutes max.
Once the timer goes off, carefully take the baking sheet out and let the cookies rest for a few minutes. They'll be hot, so patience is key here!
Then, transfer them to a wire rack. This is the moment when you know holiday fun is just a bite away! Enjoy your creations with a mug of cocoa, or surprise your friends with these festive treats—everyone will love you for it!
History
The history of Christmas cookies dates back to medieval Europe, where sweet baked goods were often made during festive celebrations. Imagine villagers gathering around, joyfully mixing ingredients to create treats that would bring smiles to their families.
These early cookies were decorated with spices and nuts, symbolizing the season's merriment. Over time, as European immigrants arrived in America, they brought their cookie traditions with them.
Fast forward to the 19th century, when families began baking cookies as part of their Christmas traditions. These weren't just any cookies; they were often shaped into festive forms like stars and trees, sprinkled with colorful decorations that made them extra special.
Just picture a cheerful kitchen filled with the warm, sweet aroma of cookies baking; it's no wonder we cherish this tradition today!
Now, you might be wondering: how did we get to where we're now? The rise of butter, sugar, and other treats meant cookies became more accessible and varied, sparking creativity among home bakers like yourself.
Final Thoughts
Baking Christmas cookies is more than just a holiday tradition; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, whipping up these festive treats can bring everyone together in the kitchen.
Imagine this: flour flying everywhere, laughter echoing, and taste-testing along the way—it's a blast!
And let's not forget the mouth-watering aroma that fills your home. It's a guaranteed mood-lifter! You can experiment with different flavors and decorations, making every batch uniquely yours. Got some leftover sprinkles? Throw 'em on! Feeling adventurous? Toss in some chocolate chips or nuts.
What's great is that you can store these cookies for later, so they're always ready to spark joy. Just remember, the secret ingredient is the fun you have while baking.
You won't just be making cookies; you'll be crafting sweet memories that'll last long after the holidays. So grab your apron, invite your friends or family, and get ready to cheerfully mess up that kitchen together because these cookies are just waiting to be enjoyed!
Happy baking!
Conclusion
So there you have it—your ticket to creating awesome Christmas cookies with just five easy ingredients! Just think about the smiles you'll bring to your family and friends as they munch on your festive treats. Whether you're rocking sprinkles or throwing in some chocolate chips, these cookies are bound to be a holiday hit. So grab your apron, crank up those holiday tunes, and let the baking fun begin! Happy baking, and may your cookies be as merry as the season!