Classic Christmas Angel Cookies Recipe

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of baking and sharing sweet treats with loved ones. Among the many festive cookie recipes, Classic Christmas Angel Cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many. These delicate, crumbly, and sweetly spiced cookies are a staple of holiday baking, evoking memories of childhood wonder and warmth.

For many families, baking Christmas cookies is a cherished tradition that brings together generations and creates lasting memories. The aroma of sugar, butter, and spices wafting from the oven is a sure sign that the holiday season has arrived. Classic Christmas Angel Cookies are a beloved favorite, with their tender texture, subtle sweetness, and delicate spice flavor.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition. So, don your favorite apron, gather your mixing bowls, and let's dive into the world of Classic Christmas Angel Cookies.

What Makes Classic Christmas Angel Cookies So Special?

These cookies owe their unique charm to a combination of ingredients and techniques that set them apart from other sweet treats. Here are a few secrets to their success:

• Ground almonds: These provide a delicate texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
• Confectioners' sugar: This fine, powdery sugar adds a tender crumbliness to the cookies and helps to balance their flavor.
• Spices: A pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom adds warmth and depth to the cookies, evoking the magic of the holiday season.

Key Ingredients and Equipment

Before we begin, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment on hand:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (60g) ground almonds

• 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners' sugar

• 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1 large egg

• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

• Cookie cutters (angel shapes or other festive designs)

The Classic Christmas Angel Cookies Recipe

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let's dive into the recipe!

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, confectioners' sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness.
7. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out angel shapes or other festive designs. You can also use a glass or a knife to cut out shapes.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Your Christmas Angel Cookies

Once your cookies are cool, it's time to add some festive flair. You can use colored sugar, sprinkles, or even royal icing to decorate your cookies. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar for a simple, elegant look.
• Use colored sugar to create intricate designs or patterns.
• Add a few sprinkles to the cookies for a playful touch.
• Use royal icing to create elaborate designs or to attach candy or edible decorations.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the most of your Classic Christmas Angel Cookies recipe:

• Use a variety of spices: Experiment with different spice combinations, such as adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the dough.
• Add a hint of citrus: Incorporate some grated orange or lemon zest into the dough for a burst of citrus flavor.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Freeze: Freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

Now that you have the Classic Christmas Angel Cookies recipe, it's time to get baking! Share your creations with friends and family, or enjoy them all to yourself (we won't judge).

We'd love to hear from you: What's your favorite holiday cookie recipe? Do you have any special traditions or memories associated with baking Christmas cookies? Share your stories and recipes in the comments below!

Happy baking, and may your holiday season be merry and bright!