News & Events

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and creating lasting memories. One of the most delightful traditions is baking holiday cookies together. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the house, and the joy of decorating them with loved ones makes this activity truly special.

Why Baking Holiday Cookies is Special

Baking cookies during the holidays is more than just a culinary activity; it's a way to bond with family and friends. The process of mixing ingredients, rolling out dough, and decorating cookies allows everyone to participate, regardless of age. It's a time to share stories, laugh, and create something delicious together. Plus, the end result makes for perfect gifts and treats to share with neighbors and friends.

Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipes

Here are a few classic cookie recipes that are sure to bring joy to your holiday baking sessions:

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

 Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add milk to reach desired consistency.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.

2. Gingerbread Men

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup molasses - 1 egg

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the molasses and egg.
3. Shape dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into gingerbread men shapes.
5. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are firm. Cool on wire racks before decorating.

3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups white sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 4 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together cocoa, white sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the cocoa mixture. Cover dough and chill for at least 4 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in confectioners' sugar before placing on the prepared cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.

Baking holiday cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate the season. Whether you stick to classic recipes or try something new, the time spent together in the kitchen is what makes it truly special. Happy baking!