Top Holiday Cookies to Sweeten Your Festive Season

aHR0cHM6Ly9oZXJvaW5lLnJ1L3dwLWNvbnRlbnQvdXBsb2Fkcy8yMDE2LzEyLzI4LzAtMS5wbmc

Top Holiday Cookies to Sweeten Your Festive Season

Holiday cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a tribute to tradition, creating a festive atmosphere year after year. With countless recipes available, we’ve curated some of the most delightful and unique options to inspire your holiday baking. From chocolate treats to exotic flavors, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of magic to your celebrations.

Chocolate Cookies

Chocolate cookies are a decadent twist on the classic holiday treat, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. They are quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules. Get creative with decorations to make them truly festive.

Ingredients:

  • 100g butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • Dark or milk chocolate (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Knead the dough lightly with your hands.
  4. Form the dough into 16 balls, each about the size of a walnut. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with a fork, creating a pattern on the surface.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Melt the chocolate and use it to decorate the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Walnut Cookies

These walnut cookies offer a delicate flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for the holiday table. Their unique appearance and the aroma of almond and cardamom will evoke the spirit of the season.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups butter
  • 2.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1.5 tsp almond extract
  • 3 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 cup walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Cream the butter with 1.5 cups of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond extract.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cardamom, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing well.
  3. Stir in the walnuts.
  4. Form the dough into small balls, about 70 pieces, each roughly 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175-180°C) for 15-17 minutes.
  6. Roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar and cool on a wire rack.

Praline Cookies

Delicate shortbread cookies with a thin layer of apricot and a praline topping offer an exotic taste that is unforgettable. Despite their sophisticated flavor, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 70g butter
  • 80ml vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 60g (for the base) + 100g (for the praline) sugar
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 230g flour
  • 3 tbsp apricot jam
  • 100g nuts
  • 1 tbsp water (for the base) + 50ml (for the praline)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the egg and a tablespoon of cold water. Mix until a dough forms and gather it into a ball.
  2. Prepare the praline by chopping the nuts. In a saucepan, melt the butter, add water and sugar, and bring to a boil. Add the nuts and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Press the shortbread dough into a 8×11 inch (20×28 cm) pan. Spread the apricot jam evenly over the base.
  4. Spoon the praline mixture over the jam layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes.
  5. Cut the baked mixture into small triangular cookies while still warm.

Coconut Cookies

Add a touch of the tropics to your holiday with these coconut cookies. The delicate and unique flavor of coconut flakes lends an air of sophistication to this delightful dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 125g butter
  • 60g coconut flakes
  • 90g glacé cherries
  • 150g powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 180g flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 9 glacé cherries (quartered)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line three large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well.
  3. On low speed, gradually add the flour, coconut flakes, and chopped cherries.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Place a quarter of a cherry on top of each cookie.
  5. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Red Velvet Cookies

This unique recipe has gained popularity for its striking appearance and delicious taste. These red velvet cookies, reminiscent of luxurious red velvet fabric, are a fantastic way to impress your guests with your culinary creativity.

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 230g cream cheese
  • 4 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 egg
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • Red food coloring

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  2. In another bowl, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the egg and food coloring.
  3. Combine the two mixtures and knead the dough. Chill the dough.
  4. Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

For more holiday inspiration, check out these holiday movies you might have missed.

Similar Posts