Description

These festive Christmas cookies are a delightful blend of classic buttery sweetness and vibrant holiday flavors. This recipe features three variations of dough—one with chopped dates, another with nuts, and a plain base—each decorated with colorful candied cherries, white chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles or M&Ms. Perfectly baked to golden edges, these cookies are a joyful treat for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Mix-ins and Toppings

1 cup chopped dates
12 halves candied cherries
½ cup white chocolate chips
⅓ cup festive sprinkles or M&Ms
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
¼ cup powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, providing a smooth base for your cookie dough.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the two large eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents throughout the dough.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
Divide and Mix Dough Variations: Split the dough into three equal parts. Mix chopped dates into one portion, chopped pecans or walnuts into another, and leave the third portion plain.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Scoop Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough balls and place them on the baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Decorate Cookies: Press halves of candied cherries, M&Ms, or festive sprinkles on top of each cookie dough ball to add color and festive flair.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, signaling the cookies are done.
Cool and Finish: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
Spacing cookies 2 inches apart is key to prevent them from baking into one another.
Cooling the cookies completely before adding the white chocolate drizzle prevents melting and maintains visual appeal.
Feel free to customize mix-ins and toppings to fit your festive preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American