Description
Christmas cookie magic happens when classic gingerbread meets modern sweetness in this irresistible holiday treat. Warm spices, delicate textures, and festive charm invite you to savor seasonal joy with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Protein and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Additional Dry Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Royal Icing Ingredients (Optional):
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 23 tablespoons meringue powder
- 46 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
- Food coloring (optional)
Decorative Ingredients:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Colored sugars
- Edible glitter
Instructions
- Prepare the creaming station by combining softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, utilizing an electric mixer to whip the mixture until it achieves a cloud-like, airy consistency with a pale hue.
- Introduce the egg, pure vanilla essence, and optional almond extract to the butter-sugar blend, gently incorporating each component until a harmonious mixture develops.
- In a separate vessel, delicately sift together the flour, leavening agent, and mineral seasoning, ensuring a uniform distribution of dry components.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient ensemble into the wet mixture, stirring with measured strokes to prevent overworking the developing dough.
- Continue mixing until the ingredients seamlessly unite, forming a tender, pliable dough that holds together without excessive firmness.
- Pause and assess the dough’s texture, confirming it has reached a smooth, malleable state ready for further cookie preparation steps.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least one hour before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a smoother cookie texture that ensures even mixing.
- Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or orange to create unique holiday flavor variations that will surprise your guests.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg