Learn how to make the best Christmas cookies that will impress your guests this holiday season. The recipe uses all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. The steps include preheating the oven, combining the dry ingredients, creaming the butter and sugars, adding the eggs and vanilla, gradually adding the dry ingredients, stirring in the chocolate chips and nuts, chilling the dough, rolling out and shaping the cookies, decorating them, baking, and cooling. Follow the tips for better baking results and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

How to Make the Best Christmas Cookies and Impress Your Guests

Introduction

The holiday season is the perfect time to show off your baking skills with delicious and festive Christmas cookies. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, following these simple steps will help you make the best Christmas cookies that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Festive cookie cutters (optional)
• Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing them with cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Gradually add dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.

Step 6: Stir in chocolate chips and nuts

Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill the dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 8: Roll out and shape the cookies

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out the desired shapes, or simply scoop dough balls onto the baking sheet.

Step 9: Decorate the cookies

Decorate the cookies with festive sprinkles or other decorations (if desired) before baking.

Step 10: Bake and cool

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
• Chilling the dough before shaping and baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
• For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake time.
• To store cookies, place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store at room temperature for up to one week.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps and incorporating your own unique decorations and ingredients, you can make the best Christmas cookies that will impress your guests and add warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!