Christmas bell cookies are a classic holiday treat that can add a touch of festive fun to any gathering. These sweet and crumbly cookies are shaped like miniature Christmas bells and are typically decorated with frosting and sprinkles to resemble the real thing. If you're looking to make a batch of Christmas bell cookies, here are five different ways to do it:
Recipe 1: Classic Christmas Bell Cookies
These classic Christmas bell cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie dough that is flavored with vanilla and almond extract. The dough is rolled out and cut into bell shapes using a cookie cutter, and then baked until golden brown. Once cooled, the cookies are decorated with a powdered sugar frosting and sprinkles.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into bell shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar and decorate with sprinkles.
Recipe 2: Soft-Baked Christmas Bell Cookies
These soft-baked Christmas bell cookies are made with a slightly different dough that includes cream cheese and Greek yogurt. This gives the cookies a soft and chewy texture, rather than the traditional crispy texture. The cookies are still decorated with frosting and sprinkles, but the soft-baked texture makes them a nice change of pace.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into bell shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar and decorate with sprinkles.
Recipe 3: Gluten-Free Christmas Bell Cookies
These gluten-free Christmas bell cookies are made with a special gluten-free flour blend that includes rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour. This blend gives the cookies a delicate and tender texture that is perfect for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour blend and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into bell shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust cookies with powdered sugar and decorate with sprinkles.
Recipe 4: Chocolate Dipped Christmas Bell Cookies
These chocolate dipped Christmas bell cookies are a decadent twist on the classic recipe. The cookies are made with a traditional sugar cookie dough, but are then dipped in melted chocolate and decorated with sprinkles. This gives the cookies a rich and indulgent flavor that is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into bell shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.
Recipe 5: Salted Caramel Christmas Bell Cookies
These salted caramel Christmas bell cookies are a unique and delicious twist on the classic recipe. The cookies are made with a traditional sugar cookie dough, but are then topped with a salted caramel sauce and flaky sea salt. This gives the cookies a sweet and salty flavor that is perfect for those who love caramel.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into bell shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle cooled cookies with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
We hope these five recipes inspire you to make a batch of delicious Christmas bell cookies this holiday season! Whether you prefer classic, soft-baked, gluten-free, chocolate dipped, or salted caramel, there's a recipe here for everyone.
Share your favorite Christmas cookie recipe with us in the comments below!
What is the best way to store Christmas bell cookies?
+The best way to store Christmas bell cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep the cookies fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to store the cookies for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 2 months.
Can I make Christmas bell cookies ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make Christmas bell cookies ahead of time. You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to make the cookies more than 2 days in advance, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
What is the best type of flour to use for Christmas bell cookies?
+The best type of flour to use for Christmas bell cookies is all-purpose flour. This type of flour has a neutral flavor and a light texture that works well for cookies. You can also use bread flour or cake flour, but all-purpose flour is the most common and versatile option.