"Jolly Holly Cookies" The Best Christmas Holiday Cookies 2023

Christmas cookies have become a delicacy during the holiday season due to their festive appearance and delicious taste. These cookies are often made with traditional holiday flavors such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and are decorated with colorful sprinkles and icing. They serve as a symbol of the holiday season and are a favorite treat for many people, both young and old. Baking Christmas cookies has also become a beloved tradition for families and friends to share, making them not only a tasty delicacy but also a way to bring loved ones together during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or given as a gift, Christmas cookies are a cherished part of holiday celebrations.

The beauty of cookies lies in their versatility. They can be customized with various flavors, textures, and decorations to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative creations that push the boundaries of what a cookie can be, there is always something new and exciting to discover in the world of cookies. However here's the all time best recipe for these festive cookies!

Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Assorted holiday sprinkles or colored sugar (for decoration)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon.

Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.

Decorate the cookies with assorted holiday sprinkles or colored sugar, pressing them gently into the dough.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Sharing the joy of Christmas through the simple pleasure of homemade cookies, we bring you the sweetest wishes for this festive season. With a passion for baking and a heart full of love, we create these delectable treats to be enjoyed with your cherished family. Each cookie is carefully crafted, blending the finest ingredients and sprinkling them with a touch of holiday magic. So gather around the cozy fireplace, create lasting memories, and savor these delightful treats that are meant to be shared with those who mean the most. May these cookies bring warmth, laughter, and an abundance of love to your Christmas celebrations.

Note: You can also add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative and personalize these cookies with your favorite mix-ins.