The holiday season in Ireland is synonymous with festive cheer, warm gatherings, and most importantly, the delightful aroma of Christmas cookies baking in every kitchen. Christmas cookie recipes from Ireland carry a rich heritage of traditional flavors, often infused with spices, dried fruits, and a touch of Irish charm.
Whether you’re looking for classic buttery shortbread, spiced gingerbread, or festive snowball cookies, these recipes bring the magic of an Irish Christmas right to your home. Baking these cookies is not only a delicious way to celebrate but also a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Let’s dive into some scrumptious Irish Christmas cookie recipes that will fill your holiday with joy and sweet treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irish Christmas cookies are beloved for their simplicity and rich flavors. Many recipes have been passed down through generations, embodying the spirit of the season.
These cookies often use familiar ingredients like butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruits, making them comfortingly traditional yet festive.
You’ll appreciate how easy these recipes are to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the variety means there’s something for everyone — from melt-in-your-mouth shortbread to chewy, spiced gingerbread.
These cookies are also ideal for gifting, decorating, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea by the fire. They truly capture the heart of Irish holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 110g caster sugar
- 275g plain flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 100g mixed dried fruit (currants, raisins, chopped glace cherries)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Icing sugar for dusting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or wooden spoon
- Baking trays lined with parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (various festive shapes)
- Cooling rack
- Sieve for dusting icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough begins to come together.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruit and nuts if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll out to about 5mm thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them on the prepared baking trays, spacing them about 2cm apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden around the edges but still pale in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with icing sugar for a festive touch before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
For a traditional Irish twist, substitute some of the dried fruit with finely chopped crystallized ginger to add a subtle spicy kick.
These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them perfect for early holiday prep. You can also dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
If you prefer gluten-free, try using a gluten-free plain flour blend instead of regular flour.
For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and swap the egg for a flaxseed or chia egg alternative. For more vegan holiday treats, check out our Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Irish Christmas cookies are wonderfully versatile. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of Irish breakfast tea or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
They also make charming additions to a festive dessert platter or a homemade gift basket for friends and family.
Try pairing these cookies with traditional Irish butter or a slice of fruitcake for an authentic holiday experience. For other easy and delicious snack ideas, you might enjoy our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore warming soup recipes like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.
Conclusion
These Irish Christmas cookie recipes offer a delightful way to bring festive joy into your home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of cookies that not only taste wonderful but also evoke the warmth and tradition of an Irish Christmas.
Whether baking for family, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat yourself, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favourite.
Don’t forget to experiment with different spices, fruits, or even chocolate to make the recipes your own. And if you want to explore more festive treats, be sure to check out our collection of vegan delights and hearty meals to keep your holiday season full of flavour and fun.
📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Cookie Recipes Ireland
Description: Traditional Irish Christmas cookies with a rich buttery flavor and festive spices. Perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 100g mixed dried fruit
- 50g chopped walnuts
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Add dried fruit, walnuts, and lemon zest; mix well.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on baking tray.
- Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 18 g
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