🎄 Festive Christmas Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a true Christmas cookie recipe that’s easy, reliable, and perfect for decorating, this one’s for you. These cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and come together quickly with simple pantry staples. No chilling required, no complicated steps, just classic holiday baking made easy. With fun decorating ideas (think snowflakes, Santa faces, and twinkling trees) plus dairy-free and gluten-free swaps, this recipe is a festive favorite everyone can enjoy.

They’re perfect for cookie swaps, cozy nights by the fire, or a festive baking day with family. 🎅🍪

🛒 Ingredients (Makes about 18-20 cookies)

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

  (use vegan butter if needed)

• ¾ cup light brown sugar

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

  (use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed)

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

📝 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Mix in egg and vanilla until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

6. Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon portions and place on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.

7. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with your hand.

8. Bake 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.

9. Cool completely before decorating.

🎨 Christmas Decorating Ideas

Make these cookies feel extra magical with simple festive designs:

• Santa Hats: Frost cookies red, add a white icing brim, and finish with a mini marshmallow pom-pom.

• Snowflakes: Pipe white icing over round cookies and dust lightly with edible glitter or sanding sugar.

• Christmas Trees: Use green icing, sprinkles as ornaments, and a candy star on top.

• Gingerbread Friends: Add smiling faces, buttons, and bows with icing or candy pearls.

• Candy Cane Swirl: Drizzle red and white icing together for a classic peppermint look.

🥛 Easy Dietary Swaps

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free decorations.

• Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

• Less Sweet: Reduce sugar to ½ cup if you prefer a lighter cookie.

✨ Final Touch

These easy Christmas cookies are meant to be fun, flexible, and full of holiday cheer. Decorate a few, gift the rest, or enjoy them warm with a mug of cocoa by the fire. However you make them, they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra magic to your season.

Happy baking, and Merry Christmas from all of us at King of Christmas 🎄✨🍪