The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the smell of cookies baking in the oven. Whether they’re wrapped up for gifts, set out for Santa or shared during a cozy night in, cookies bring warmth and nostalgia to the season. From traditional sugar cookies to rich chocolate crinkles, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for spreading cheer.
1.Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. Slowly blend in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Roll into balls, place on baking sheets and flatten slightly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Decorate with icing or colored sugar once cooled.
2.Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup powdered sugar for coating
Directions:
Mix cocoa, sugar and oil in a bowl. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and chill the dough for at least two hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat generously in powdered sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until cracks form on top. Let cool before serving.
3.Peppermint Bark Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light. Add the egg and peppermint extract, then mix in the dry ingredients. Stir in white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 9 to 11 minutes.
These cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint — a winter classic.
4.Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
Directions:
Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add molasses and the egg, mixing well. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for one hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and let cool before decorating with icing.