Traditional Christmas Cookies
These Traditional Christmas Cookies are a beloved family recipe full of warm spices, sweetness, and holiday nostalgia. They’re easy to make, easy to customize for different diets, and perfect for baking together with loved ones to create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Colored sprinkles (optional topping)
- Shredded coconut (optional topping)
- Chopped nuts (optional topping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, blending well until fully combined with the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined without over-mixing.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, place about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- While cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, adding food coloring if desired.
- Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or pipe on the icing and add sprinkles, coconut, or nuts as desired.
Cook’s Notes
Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is key to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush this step. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and improve texture, and use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
Ingredient Swaps
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and for a vegan adaptation, swap the egg for flaxseed meal and use coconut oil instead of butter. Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or mix in peppermint extract, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans for extra holiday flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a fun baking activity with kids. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a glass of cold milk for a cozy holiday treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them layered between parchment paper in an airtight container for longer storage. Cookie dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months—wrap well and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Common Questions
How should I store my Traditional Christmas Cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them layered between parchment paper for longer freshness.
Can I freeze the dough for Traditional Christmas Cookies?
Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil or stored in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
Are there any good substitutions for the butter?
You can substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine, or replace half the butter with applesauce for a lower-fat version.
