The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. Our Jingle Cookies recipe is the perfect festive treat to bring joy to your family and friends.
These charmingly decorated cookies combine classic buttery sweetness with vibrant holiday colors, making them not only delicious but also visually irresistible. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a batch for a holiday party, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and smiles.
Plus, they’re wonderfully easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Jingle Cookies stand out because they blend tradition with fun. The dough is soft yet sturdy enough to hold intricate shapes, perfect for holiday-themed cookie cutters.
Plus, the simple vanilla flavor base lets your festive decorations shine, whether you prefer classic red and green icing or colorful sprinkles. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can customize the flavors or decorations to suit your taste or occasion.
Additionally, these cookies store well, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday novice, this recipe offers a stress-free way to create beautiful, tasty treats that capture the spirit of the season.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
- Assorted colorful icing (red, green, white)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Holiday cookie cutters (stars, bells, trees, etc.)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Small piping bags or plastic sandwich bags for icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Then, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use your holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate your cookies with the colorful icing and sprinkles. Use piping bags for precise designs and let the icing set before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly crisp edges, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.”
Want to add a twist? Try swapping the vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract to give your jingle cookies a unique flavor.
You can also mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy spice note.
If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for a minute less. For extra festive fun, consider dipping half the cookie in melted white chocolate and then sprinkling crushed candy canes on top.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 55 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your jingle cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate holiday treat. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, festive party platters, or even as charming homemade gifts wrapped in cellophane with a colorful ribbon.
For a special touch, pair them with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread men or peppermint bark. You can even create a cookie decorating station for kids and adults to add their own creative flair!
Conclusion
Jingle Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their simple yet rich flavor and charming appearance make them a favorite for bakers of all skill levels.
This recipe offers a wonderful way to bring your loved ones together, creating lasting memories while enjoying a sweet treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just a cozy night in, these cookies bring festive joy with every bite.
Remember, baking is as much about the experience as the result, so have fun decorating and sharing your jingle cookies this season. We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions for years to come!
📖 Recipe Card: Jingle Cookies Recipe
Description: Festive and flavorful jingle cookies perfect for holiday celebrations. Crispy on the edges with a soft, chewy center and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT32M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green colored sugar for decoration
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped pecans if using.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in colored sugar.
- Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 16 g
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