The sweet taste of Christmas cookies, fresh from the oven, is a holiday tradition that many of us cherish. However, the process of making these delicious treats from scratch can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially during the busy holiday season. This is where Christmas cookie mix comes in – a convenient and stress-free way to enjoy your favorite holiday cookies. In this article, we will explore five easy ways to make Christmas cookie mix, perfect for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.
The Benefits of Homemade Christmas Cookie Mix
Making your own Christmas cookie mix at home offers several benefits. For one, it allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that your cookies are made with only the freshest and highest-quality components. Additionally, homemade cookie mix can be customized to suit your family's taste preferences, whether you like your cookies soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. Perhaps most importantly, making your own Christmas cookie mix is a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit, perfect for families with young children or for those who enjoy baking as a hobby.
Method 1: Classic Sugar Cookie Mix
To make a classic sugar cookie mix, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Simply combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Method 2: Peanut Butter Blossom Mix
For a delicious peanut butter blossom mix, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, whichever you prefer)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Hershey's Kisses or other chocolate drops for topping
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Method 3: Gingerbread Cookie Mix
To make a delicious gingerbread cookie mix, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the molasses and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Method 4: Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix
For a delicious snickerdoodle cookie mix, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 3 Tbsp cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Method 5: Shortbread Cookie Mix
To make a delicious shortbread cookie mix, you will need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Tips and Variations
- To make your Christmas cookie mix more festive, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract or a handful of crushed candy canes to the dough.
- If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake the dough for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- To make a cookie mix that can be stored for later, simply combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the pantry for up to 6 months.
We hope these five easy ways to make Christmas cookie mix have inspired you to get baking this holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your friends and family.
What is the best way to store Christmas cookie mix?
+The best way to store Christmas cookie mix is in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months. You can also store the mix in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I customize the Christmas cookie mix recipe to suit my family's taste preferences?
+Yes, you can customize the Christmas cookie mix recipe to suit your family's taste preferences. Consider adding different mix-ins, such as nuts or candy pieces, or using different types of sugar or spices.
How long does it take to make Christmas cookie mix from scratch?
+The time it takes to make Christmas cookie mix from scratch will depend on the recipe and the number of cookies you are making. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to make a batch of Christmas cookies from scratch.