20 Quick & Simple Christmas Cookie Recipes for Beginners

The holiday season is here. What’s more festive than baking easy Christmas cookies for loved ones or with hot cocoa? You don’t need to be a pro to make tasty treats with beginner baking recipes.

Looking to start a new tradition or just want some simple holiday cookies? This guide is for you. It has 20 easy recipes that need little experience and basic stuff. You’ll also learn about tools, ingredients, and techniques for baking success.

Key Takeaways

• Discover 20 easy-to-make Christmas cookie recipes perfect for beginners
• Learn the essential tools and ingredients needed for successful holiday baking
• Understand the basic techniques required to create delicious Christmas cookies
• Find recipes categorized by type and difficulty level to suit your needs
• Get tips and tricks for ensuring success, even if you’ve never baked before

The Joy of Christmas Cookie Baking

Baking Christmas cookies is a heartwarming tradition. It gives a chance to share homemade gifts with loved ones. This festive activity brings people together, creating lasting memories and delicious treats.

The process of baking Christmas cookies is rewarding. From selecting recipes to decorating the finished cookies, holiday cookie making lets people express their creativity. It adds a personal touch to their baked goods.

One of the big cookie baking benefits is connecting with family and friends. Christmas baking traditions are often passed down through generations. Recipes and techniques are shared and cherished, making the experience meaningful and enjoyable.

Festive baking activities like Christmas cookie baking can also reduce holiday stress. The process of measuring ingredients, mixing dough, and baking cookies can be therapeutic. It allows bakers to focus on the present moment and create something tangible.

For beginners, baking Christmas cookies might seem scary. But with simple recipes and basic baking equipment, anyone can become a skilled cookie baker. The key is to start with simple recipes and enjoy the process. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way.

• Christmas cookie baking creates lasting memories and traditions.
• Holiday cookie making offers a creative outlet and a chance to share homemade gifts.
• Festive baking activities like cookie baking can help reduce holiday stress.

Essential Tools and Ingredients for Beginner Bakers

Starting to bake Christmas cookies is fun. You need the right tools and ingredients. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy a lot of expensive stuff.

Basic Baking Equipment You’ll Need

To bake Christmas cookies, you need some basic things. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the right amounts. Mixing bowls are great for mixing ingredients.

Baking sheets are needed for baking cookies. Use parchment paper to make cleaning up easier. A cooling rack helps cool cookies.

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Basic utensils (wooden spoons, spatulas)

Tools like cookie cutters and rolling pins are nice to have. They help make your cookies look good. Piping bags are great for decorating.

Pantry Staples for Christmas Cookies

Having the right pantry items is key for tasty Christmas cookies. Flour is very important. It comes in different types for different uses.

Sweeteners like sugar and brown sugar add taste. Leavening agents like baking powder make cookies rise.

• Flour (all-purpose, bread, cake)
• Sweeteners (granulated sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar)
• Leavening agents (baking powder, baking soda)
• Fats (butter, shortening, oils)
• Eggs
• Vanilla and other extracts
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• Decorative elements (sprinkles, colored sugars)

With these pantry items, you’re ready to make many Christmas cookie recipes.

Beginner-Friendly Baking Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

To make sure your Christmas cookies are perfect, follow some easy tips. Baking cookies is fun and rewarding. But, you need to pay attention and know a few things.

By learning a few key techniques, you can make tasty and pretty cookies. These will wow your family and friends.

Measuring Ingredients Correctly

Measuring ingredients right is very important. Using the right amount of each ingredient makes your cookies taste and feel just right. For dry ingredients like flour and sugar, use a dry measuring cup and level it off.

For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup and check the level at eye height. A kitchen scale is great for exact measurements, especially for butter and chocolate.

Understanding Baking Times and Temperatures

Baking times and temperatures are key to your cookies’ success. Make sure your oven is preheated and use an oven thermometer for accuracy. Watch your cookies as they bake and look for golden edges to know when they’re done.

Rotate your cookie sheets for even baking. Follow the recipe for cooling times to avoid soggy or overcooked cookies.

Storage Tips for Freshness

Storing your cookies right keeps them fresh and tasty. Store different types of cookies separately to keep them fresh longer. Use airtight containers or cookie tins and layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Some cookies freeze well, so freeze them for later. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.

Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes

As the holiday season comes, homes fill with the smell of Christmas cookies. Beginners can start with classic recipes to learn and make tasty treats. These recipes are easy to follow, ensuring fun and success in the kitchen.

1. Simple Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar cookies are a Christmas favorite. They are simple and fun to decorate with royal icing. This makes them great for all ages.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Beginner Tips

To keep sugar cookies in shape, chill them in the fridge for 5 minutes before baking. This helps them not spread too much.

2. Easy Gingerbread Cookies for First-Timers

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat. They have a spicy flavor and soft texture. This recipe is easy for beginners to follow.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
3. Beat in molasses and egg. Gradually add dry ingredients.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Beginner Tips

To get the right texture, don’t overmix the dough. If it’s too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling out.

3. Basic Shortbread Cookies with Holiday Shapes

Shortbread cookies are buttery and crumbly. They’re easy to make and perfect for the holidays. Using holiday shapes makes them even more festive.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into holiday shapes.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Beginner Tips

To handle shortbread, use a spatula to move them to the baking sheet. If they crumble, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

4. Beginner’s Chocolate Chip Cookies with Festive M&Ms

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite. Adding festive M&Ms gives them a holiday twist. This recipe is easy to follow and makes delicious cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup festive M&Ms

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugars.
3. Beat in eggs. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Beginner Tips

To make sure cookies spread right, the butter should be soft but not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps too.

5. Simple Peanut Butter Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses

Peanut butter cookies with Hershey’s Kisses are a classic Christmas treat. This recipe is easy for beginners to make.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla.
4. Gradually mix in flour.
5. Roll dough into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.

Beginner Tips

To add Hershey’s Kisses right, press them into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. This makes them stick to the cookie.

No-Bake Christmas Cookie Options

No-bake treats are great for beginners. They are easy to make and don’t need an oven. They’re perfect for the holiday season because they’re simple and fun.

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies with Holiday Sprinkles

These cookies are a twist on the classic. They have holiday sprinkles. Making them is easy and they taste chewy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Holiday sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, mix oats, sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils.
2. Take off the heat and mix in vanilla extract and chocolate chips until smooth.
3. Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper and add sprinkles.
4. Refrigerate until firm.

Beginner Tips

For the cookies to set right, chill them for 30 minutes. You can pick sprinkles that match your holiday theme.

Easy Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Coating

These peanut butter balls are known as “buckeyes.” Getting the dough right is important. Our tips will help you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chocolate chips for coating

Instructions

1. Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter until a dough forms.
2. Roll into balls and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate chips and dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered to resemble a buckeye.
4. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set.

Beginner Tips

To get a smooth chocolate coating, melt the chocolate right. Use a fork to dip the peanut butter balls for a clean coat.

Simple Rice Krispie Treats with Holiday Colors

Rice Krispie treats are a favorite. Add red and green food coloring or use holiday shapes to make them festive.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Food coloring (red and green)
• Holiday sprinkles or cookie cutters

Instructions

1. Melt marshmallows and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
2. Add food coloring to tint the marshmallow mixture.
3. Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
4. Press into a greased pan and cut into shapes using holiday cookie cutters or top with sprinkles.

Beginner Tips

To make the treats festive, use holiday cookie cutters or add sprinkles before the mixture sets.

Quick Drop Cookies for Christmas

Drop cookies are great for beginners. They are easy to make and taste amazing. You don’t need to roll or cut them. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake.

Here are three yummy drop cookie recipes for the holidays.

9. Cinnamon Snickerdoodles with Festive Sugar

Cinnamon Snickerdoodles are a classic Christmas treat. They have a soft center and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Use red and green sugar for a festive look.

Ingredients

For Cinnamon Snickerdoodles, you need 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Also, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar, and 2 large eggs are needed. For the topping, mix 3 tablespoons cinnamon and 3 tablespoons sugar.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then mix in the dry ingredients.

Roll the dough into balls and coat in cinnamon sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.

Beginner Tips

To get a crackly top, don’t overbake. Chilling the dough helps it keep its shape.

10. Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies are a tasty holiday treat. They mix rolled oats, dried cranberries, and white chocolate for a nutritious and indulgent cookie.

Ingredients

For these cookies, you’ll need 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. You’ll also need 1 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup white granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup dried cranberries, and 1 cup white chocolate chunks.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then mix in the dry ingredients.

Stir in the cranberries and white chocolate. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Beginner Tips

Make sure the butter is not too soft to prevent spreading. Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.

11. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies with Powdered Snow

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are loved for their dark chocolate and “powdered snow” coating. Roll them in powdered sugar before baking for this look.

Ingredients

For Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, you need 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Also, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract are needed. Use 1 cup powdered sugar for the coating.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the dry ingredients. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then mix in the dry ingredients.

Roll the dough into balls and coat in powdered sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.

Beginner Tips

Coat the cookies well in powdered sugar to prevent it from disappearing. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft.

Festive Decorated Cookies for Beginners

You can make beautiful Christmas cookies with simple steps. Decorating cookies is fun and easy for all. We’ll show you three easy recipes for the holiday season.

Easy Iced Sugar Cookies with Simple Designs

Sugar cookies are a holiday favorite. They’re easy to decorate with simple icing. Keep designs simple with flooding and sprinkles.

Ingredients

You need flour, sugar, butter, and icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Add food coloring for holiday colors.

Instructions

Bake the cookies and let them cool. Make the icing and flood the cookies. Add sprinkles before it sets.

Beginner Tips

Make sure cookies are cool for icing. Use a turntable for easier decorating.

Simple Thumbprint Cookies with Holiday Jam

Thumbprint cookies are a holiday treat. Use red or green jam for color.

Ingredients

You need flour, sugar, butter, and your favorite jam. Choose strawberry or mint for the holiday.

Instructions

Bake the cookies and make a hole. Fill with jam after cooling.

Beginner Tips

Use a cookie stamp for holes. Fill holes just before serving.

Beginner’s Red and Green Pinwheel Cookies

Pinwheel cookies are beautiful and easy. Color and layer the dough for the pinwheel look.

Ingredients

You need flour, sugar, butter, and red and green food coloring.

Instructions

Color the dough red and green. Roll out each color. Stack and roll into a log. Slice for the pinwheel look.

Beginner Tips

Chill the dough well for a clear pinwheel. Use a sharp knife and a turntable for easier rolling.

20 Quick & Simple Christmas Cookie Recipes for Beginners with Special Dietary Needs

Baking Christmas cookies is a fun holiday tradition. It’s something everyone can enjoy, no matter their diet. We have three tasty cookie recipes for beginners with special diets.

15. Gluten-Free Almond Cookies with Snowflake Design

These gluten-free almond cookies are great for those who can’t eat gluten. They’re made with almond flour, so they’re naturally gluten-free. They taste amazing and are a nice change from regular cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to create the cookies.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Beginner Tips

To get the snowflake design, use simple stencils or cookie cutters. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape.

16. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Holiday Spice

These vegan chocolate chip cookies are perfect for those who don’t eat animal products. They have holiday spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This makes them taste like the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 flax eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together vegan butter and sugars. Add flax eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Beginner Tips

When using flax eggs, mix them well with water first. Also, take your time when creaming the vegan butter and sugar. It might take longer than with regular butter.

17. Dairy-Free Gingerbread People Cookies

These dairy-free gingerbread people cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They’re made with oil instead of butter. This makes them great for those who can’t have dairy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup oil (such as coconut or canola oil)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 flax eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix oil, molasses, sugar, and flax eggs.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use gingerbread people cookie cutters.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Beginner Tips

To decorate, use dairy-free icing and sprinkles. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape.

Make-Ahead Christmas Cookie Dough Recipes

Make-ahead Christmas cookie dough recipes are great for busy bakers. They save time and reduce stress during the holidays. You can bake cookies without the last-minute rush.

18. Freezer-Friendly Sugar Cookie Dough for Busy Bakers

Freezer-friendly sugar cookie dough is easy to make ahead. Mix the dough, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the freezer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients together.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5. Wrap the dough tightly and freeze.

Beginner Tips

When freezing dough, label and date it. Frozen dough lasts up to 3 months.

19. Refrigerator Slice-and-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies

Refrigerator slice-and-bake Christmas tree cookies are fun and easy. Layer different dough colors to make a tree shape.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring

Instructions

1. Mix the dry ingredients together.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Divide the dough into sections and color each section.
5. Layer the colored dough to form a Christmas tree shape.
6. Wrap the dough log tightly and refrigerate.

Beginner Tips

Chill the dough log for at least 30 minutes. This makes the tree design visible.

20. Cookie Mix in a Jar: Perfect Holiday Gift

A cookie mix in a jar is a thoughtful gift. Layer the dry ingredients in a jar. Add a recipe card with instructions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Layer the dry ingredients in a jar.
2. Create a recipe card with instructions.
3. Attach the recipe card to the jar.

Beginner Tips

Include a gift tag with baking instructions. Also, mention any allergen warnings.

Troubleshooting Common Cookie Problems for Beginners

Baking Christmas cookies is fun, but beginners might face some problems. Issues like cookies spreading too much, dough being hard to work with, or burnt bottoms are common. Knowing how to fix these problems can make you a better baker and help your holiday baking go well.

Fixing Flat or Spreading Cookies

One big problem for new bakers is cookies that spread too much. This can happen if the dough is warm, there’s too much butter, or if you measure wrong. To fix it, chill the dough to make the butter firm. This helps the cookies keep their shape.

For future baking, make sure your butter is at the right temperature. Also, double-check your measurements to avoid too much leavening.

Rescuing Dry or Crumbly Dough

Dry, crumbly dough is hard to work with. It often comes from measuring too much flour or using cold butter. To fix it, add a little moisture like butter or egg until it’s right.

Proper kneading can also help. If your dough is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a bit. This makes it easier to work with.

Preventing Burnt Bottoms

Burnt cookie bottoms are a common problem. It can happen if you use dark baking sheets or don’t adjust your oven temperature right. To avoid this, check your oven temperature with a thermometer to make sure it’s correct.

Put your baking rack in the oven’s center. Use parchment paper on your baking sheets. These steps help spread heat evenly and prevent burning. This way, you can bake cookies perfectly without burnt bottoms.

Conclusion

Start your holiday baking with these 20 quick and simple Christmas cookie recipes. You’ll find classics, no-bake treats, and special diets. There’s something for every beginner.

Mastering basic baking skills is key. Learn to measure right and know your oven’s temperature. This will help you make many Christmas cookies easily.

Christmas cookie baking is more than just making treats. It’s about sharing joy and starting traditions. Choose a recipe you like and have fun trying new things.

Remember, homemade cookies are loved, no matter how they look. These easy recipes will help you build confidence. Soon, you’ll make treats everyone will love.