Easiest Christmas Cookies

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate easy and delicious Christmas cookie recipe, your search ends here! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and comes together with minimal effort. Plus, no chilling time is required, so you can whip up a batch in no time and have them ready for any festive gathering. Simply the easiest christmas cookies!

Why These Cookies Are Holiday Perfection

• Simplicity at Its Best: Just a few basic ingredients and no complicated steps.
• Versatile & Festive: They’re a blank canvas for holiday creativity! Dust them with powdered sugar or pair them with a hot cup of cocoa.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their tender texture and delicate vanilla flavor, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Easiest Christmas Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Butter: The foundation of a rich and soft cookie.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the creamy texture.
• Egg yolks: Provide structure and binds the dough together.
• Vanilla Sugar or Extract: Infuses warmth and enhances the flavor profile.
• Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Easiest Christmas Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 180 g (1 ½ cups) powdered sugar (150 g for the dough, extra for dusting)
• 250 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) butter, soft
• 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 5 large egg yolks
• 3 tsp vanilla sugar or 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla sugar.
2. Sift for Perfection: Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients (butter and egg yolks) to ensure a lump-free dough.
3. Form the Dough: Mix until a smooth dough forms. Use your hands to knead it gently on the counter for a uniform texture.

Shaping the Cookies:

1. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into a log, then cut off bite-sized pieces with a knife. These will be your cookies!
2. Prepare for Baking: Place the cookie pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden.
2. Cool & Dust: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then generously top them with powdered sugar for that classic holiday look.
3. Enjoy: Pair with your favorite holiday beverage and savor every bite!

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Soft Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted for the perfect cookie texture. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.
• Sift the Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients helps to avoid lumps and creates a smoother dough, ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom, not browned all over. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking.
• Add a Festive Touch: Want to make these cookies extra special? Try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a holiday sparkle.

General Tips:

• Baking Sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking. If you don’t have either, make sure to lightly grease the baking sheets.
• Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
• Serving: Serve these cookies slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Chill Time: Unlike many other cookie recipes, this dough doesn’t require chilling. That means less waiting and more baking!
2. Minimal Ingredients: With just five main ingredients, this recipe proves that less is more. The buttery richness combined with the sweetness of powdered sugar and the subtle hint of vanilla makes these cookies irresistible.
3. Kid-Friendly Baking: This is a perfect recipe for baking with kids. They can help roll the dough, cut the cookies, or dust them with powdered sugar—making it a fun holiday activity for the whole family.

Variations to Try

1. Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
2. Nutty Delight: Mix in finely chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans for a nutty crunch.
3. Festive Shapes: Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees. Adjust baking time slightly for thinner cookies.
4. Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced holiday flavor.

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Santa Hat Cookies – These jam-filled Linzer cookies shaped like Santa hats will be the highlight of your cookie exchange this year!
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Creative and delicious, these cookies feature melted marshmallows and charming decorations for a frosty holiday vibe.
• Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) – A timeless classic made with nuts and cinnamon, these star-shaped cookies are a staple of holiday baking.
• Roasted Matcha Cookies – With their unique roasted matcha flavor and creamy topping, these cookies bring a modern twist to your holiday treats.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: