Simple Christmas cookies
Christmas Cookies: A Sweet Indulgence for the Whole Family
Christmas is that magical time of year when the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, and joy can be felt in every corner of the house. Beautifully decorated cookies are not just a delight for the little ones but also for the adults. I invite you to discover a simple and delicious cookie recipe that will transform any moment of Christmas preparations into a memorable experience. Let's get started!
Total preparation time: 1 hour (30 minutes cooling)
Baking time: 6-9 minutes
Servings: About 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 170 g soft butter (about 3/4 cup)
- 250 g sugar (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 1 egg
- 1 yolk
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (or preferred essence)
- 320 g flour (about 2 2/3 cups)
Necessary utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (various shapes, as preferred)
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature. The soft butter will mix more easily with the sugar, and the egg and yolk will incorporate perfectly into the dough. If using rum essence, make sure it is of good quality, as it will affect the final flavor of the cookies.
Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add the soft butter. Using a mixer or spatula, cream the butter until it becomes smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This is an essential step for achieving tender and airy cookies.
Next, add the egg and yolk. Make sure to incorporate them well, mixing after each ingredient. Don't forget to add the rum essence for a touch of flavor. Another option is to use vanilla or orange essence, depending on your preferences.
Step 3: Forming the dough
Once you have a homogeneous mixture, gradually add the sifted flour. This is when the dough will start to form. Mix with a spatula or your hands until everything is well incorporated and you have a uniform dough.
Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Now, let it cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or even longer. This step will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to roll out.
Step 4: Cutting the cookies
After it has cooled, take the dough out of the fridge. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Use the cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. You can opt for various festive shapes, such as trees, stars, or ornaments.
Step 5: Baking
Place the cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each, as they will expand during baking. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Bake the cookies for 6-9 minutes, depending on their thickness. The cookies are ready when the edges turn slightly golden.
Step 6: Decorating
Once the cookies have completely cooled, it's time to decorate them. Use melted white chocolate to make them shine, or let your imagination run wild with colored icing and various edible decorations. You can also use nuts, coconut flakes, or even colorful candies for an extra burst of flavor and festive appearance.
Step 7: Storing and gifting
The cookies store very well in an airtight container at room temperature. If you wish, you can gift them to loved ones, beautifully wrapping them in decorative boxes or paper bags.
Helpful tips
- The dough can be prepared a day in advance, leaving the baking for the desired day, saving time.
- If you want more flavorful cookies, add a few drops of almond or orange essence.
- Don’t forget to experiment with different shapes and decorations so that each cookie is unique!
Nutritional values
Each serving of cookies contains about 100-120 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used for decoration. These cookies are a good source of energy due to their sugar and butter content, but moderate consumption is recommended due to their calorie content.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace butter with margarine?
Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter, but the taste will be different, and the texture may not be as tender.
2. How can I make the cookies healthier?
You can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour or add healthy ingredients like oats or nuts.
3. Is cooling the dough necessary?
Cooling helps firm up the butter, making the cookies easier to handle and preventing them from deforming during baking.
Possible variations
- Chocolate cookies: Add dark or milk chocolate chips for a decadent taste.
- Spiced cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a Christmas flavor.
These simple Christmas cookies can quickly become family and friends' favorites, and decorating them will bring joy to every home. So put on your apron and let's bring the holiday spirit into every corner of the kitchen!
Ingredients: 170 g soft butter / 3/4 cup 250 g sugar / 1 1/4 cup 1 egg 1 yolk rum essence (I added this) or whatever you prefer 320 g flour / 2 2/3 cups
