7 Ways To Fill Your Christmas Cookie Jar

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by baking a batch (or two, or three) of delicious Christmas cookies? Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, filling your Christmas cookie jar with an assortment of sweet treats is sure to bring joy to your family and friends. In this article, we'll explore 7 ways to fill your Christmas cookie jar, from classic recipes to modern twists and creative ideas.

1. Classic Sugar Cookies

A Christmas cookie jar isn't complete without a batch of classic sugar cookies. These timeless treats are a staple of the holiday season, and for good reason - they're easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can decorate them with frosting and sprinkles, or keep them simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Either way, they're sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

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:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas treat that's perfect for the holiday season. Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies have a warm, comforting flavor that's sure to become a favorite.

Here's a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

3. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms are a classic Christmas cookie that's perfect for peanut butter lovers. These delicious cookies are made with a peanut butter dough, topped with a Hershey's Kiss, and baked to perfection.

Here's a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together peanut butter and butter until smooth. Beat in sugar and egg.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
• Press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking.

4. Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a classic Scottish treat that's perfect for the holiday season. Made with just a few ingredients, these buttery cookies are easy to make and delicious to eat.

Here's a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

5. Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a classic cinnamon-sugar cookie that's perfect for the holiday season. These delicious cookies are made with a simple dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and baked to perfection.

Here's a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp cinnamon sugar (see notes)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Roll each cookie in cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

6. Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a classic Austrian treat that's perfect for the holiday season. Made with a shortbread-like dough, topped with jam and a lattice pattern of dough, these cookies are a show-stopper.

Here's a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Jam or preserves, for filling

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour and confectioners' sugar.
• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Use a pastry cutter or a knife to create a lattice pattern on top of each cookie.
• Fill with jam or preserves before baking.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

7. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic treat that's perfect for the holiday season. Made with a simple dough, rolled in powdered sugar, and baked to perfection, these cookies have a delicious crinkled surface and a soft, chewy center.

Here's a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
• Roll each cookie in powdered sugar before baking.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

We hope these 7 ways to fill your Christmas cookie jar have inspired you to get baking this holiday season. Whether you're a classic sugar cookie fan or a snickerdoodle enthusiast, there's something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and fill your Christmas cookie jar with an assortment of delicious treats that are sure to bring joy to your family and friends.

We'd love to hear from you - what's your favorite Christmas cookie recipe? Share with us in the comments below!