There’s something magical about Christmas cookies, and these Vanilla Biscuits, also known as Sugar Cookies, are a festive delight. Soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, they make the perfect treat for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Plus, they are easy to decorate, making them a fantastic activity for the whole family.
Why Make This Recipe
Making these Christmas cookies is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories. The simple ingredients come together to create a delicious cookie that can be dressed up with colorful icing, making it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to neighbors, or enjoying as a family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
How to Make Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 225g / 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, or use salted and skip salt)
- 1 cup caster/superfine sugar (granulated/ordinary white sugar is okay too)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (55-60g / 1.9-2oz)
- 3 cups flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Icing for Sugar Cookies
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy, which should take about 1 minute on speed 5.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Start mixing slowly, and then beat until the flour is incorporated. The dough will look clumpy.
- Dust your work surface with flour, scrape the dough out of the bowl, and pat it together. Cut it in half, then shape each half into a disc.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness: 0.3cm / 1/8″ for thinner, crispier cookies or 0.6cm / 1/4″ for thicker, softer cookies. Sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.
- Use cookie cutters to press out shapes, then use a knife or spatula to transfer the shapes to your prepared baking sheets. Keep any excess dough in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Bake for 10 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through. The cookies should have a pale golden surface, with edges just starting to turn light golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays, as they will finish cooking there.
Decorating Options
You can get creative with toppings! Consider using icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to bring your cookies to life.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies
These Christmas cookies are perfect for serving on a festive platter at holiday gatherings. Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or some holiday punch, and watch as everyone enjoys the sweet treats.
How to Store Christmas Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer bag.
Tips to Make Christmas Cookies
- For more flavor, try adding a dash of almond extract or citrus zest to the dough.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to keep them soft.
Variation
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for unique flavors!
FAQs
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste and texture may vary slightly from using real butter.
2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Cookies may spread if the butter was too warm or if there was too much sugar added. Make sure to measure accurately and chill the dough if necessary.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling it out.
Enjoy making your Christmas Cookies, and happy baking!
Vanilla Biscuits
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 225 g unsalted butter (softened, or use salted and skip salt) Must be softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup caster/superfine sugar (granulated/ordinary white sugar is okay too)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (55-60g / 1.9-2oz)
- 3 cups flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 0.75 tsp baking powder
- 0.75 tsp salt
Icing
- to taste Icing for Sugar Cookies Use for decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy for about 1 minute at speed 5.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Start mixing slowly, then beat until the flour is incorporated. The dough will appear clumpy.
- Dust your work surface with flour, scrape the dough out of the bowl, and pat it together. Cut it in half and shape each half into a disc.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness: 0.3cm / 1/8″ for thinner, crispier cookies or 0.6cm / 1/4″ for thicker, softer cookies, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, transferring them to the lined baking sheets with a knife or spatula. Keep excess dough in the fridge until ready to use.
Baking
- Bake for 10 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through. The cookies should have a pale golden surface with edges just starting to turn light golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays for the cookies to finish cooking.
Decorating
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to enhance the holiday spirit.
