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There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the house during the holidays. For me, baking Christmas cookies has become more than just a tradition—it’s a way to create memories, especially with my grandkids. Every year, we roll up our sleeves, sprinkle flour everywhere (seriously, it gets everywhere), and bake the most delicious Christmas cookies you’ve ever tasted.
Want to know my secret? It’s not just the recipe—it’s the love, laughter, and a little bit of creativity that go into every batch.
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The Joy of Baking Together
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is gathering in the kitchen with my grandkids. They love picking out cookie cutters shaped like stars, trees, and snowmen. Sure, the dough doesn’t always roll out perfectly, and we sometimes sneak more sprinkles into our mouths than onto the cookies, but that’s what makes it fun!
Related: Favorite Slow-Cooker Recipes for Cozy Winter Nights
Baking together isn’t just about cookies; it’s about bonding, sharing stories, and making a mess. I treasure these moments because they remind me of baking with my own grandma when I was little.
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The Secret Ingredients
Now, onto the cookies themselves! Here’s my secret: I use a classic sugar cookie base with a few tweaks that make all the difference.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of almond extract (this is the secret touch!)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Trust me, the almond extract adds a subtle, festive flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use your favorite cookie cutters. This is where the grandkids shine!
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool before decorating.
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Decorating Fun
Once the cookies cool, the real fun begins. We set up a decorating station with bowls of colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Watching the kids create their masterpieces is the best part. Some cookies turn out stunning; others look… abstract. Either way, they’re perfect because they were made with love.
Why These Cookies Are Special
What makes this recipe so special isn’t just the taste—it’s the memories attached to it. Every time I bake these cookies, I’m reminded of years past, messy aprons, and laughter echoing through the kitchen.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to make it your own. Add a pinch of cinnamon or swap almond extract for peppermint. Most importantly, share the experience with someone you love.
Baking Christmas cookies isn’t just about the end result. It’s about the joy of creating something together and savoring the little moments that make the holidays magical.
Happy baking, and may your cookies (and your memories) be as sweet as can be!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
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