Christmas Gifts To Make: Delicious Cookie Ideas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to show our love and appreciation for our loved ones than by giving them a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift? One of the most popular and enjoyable Christmas gifts to make is cookies. Who doesn't love the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting from the oven, filling the entire house with warmth and joy?

In this article, we'll explore some delicious cookie ideas that are perfect for making as Christmas gifts. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family. So, let's get started!

Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes

Here are a few classic Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to be a hit:

Sugar Cookies

• 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
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

These classic sugar cookies are a staple of the holiday season. You can decorate them with colored sugar or sprinkles to make them even more festive.

Gingerbread Cookies

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

These spicy gingerbread cookies are a perfect treat for the holiday season. You can decorate them with icing and candy to make them even more special.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

• 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
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Hershey's Kisses

These peanut butter blossoms are a classic Christmas cookie recipe that combines the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate.

Unique Christmas Cookie Recipes

If you're looking for something a little different, here are a few unique Christmas cookie recipes you might enjoy:

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries

These cookies combine the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. They're perfect for a holiday cookie exchange.

Maple Pecan Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

These cookies have a rich, maple flavor and a delicious crunch from the pecans. They're perfect for a holiday party.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

These buttery shortbread cookies are dipped in rich, dark chocolate for an indulgent treat. They're perfect for a holiday gift basket.

Cookie Decorating Ideas

Once you've baked your cookies, it's time to decorate them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Royal Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 2 tbsp water
• Food coloring (optional)

This classic royal icing is perfect for decorating sugar cookies. You can add food coloring to make it any color you like.

Sprinkles and Nonpareils

• Sprinkles or nonpareils in various colors

These small, round sprinkles are perfect for adding a pop of color to your cookies. You can use them to create fun designs or simply sprinkle them on top of your cookies.

Candy Melts

• Candy melts in various colors
• Piping bags and tips

These candy melts are perfect for creating intricate designs on your cookies. You can melt them in a microwave-safe bowl and pipe them onto your cookies using a piping bag and tip.

Packaging and Gift Ideas

Once you've baked and decorated your cookies, it's time to package them up and give them as gifts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Cellophane Bags

• Cellophane bags in various sizes
• Ribbon or twine

These cellophane bags are perfect for packaging up your cookies and giving them as gifts. You can tie the top with ribbon or twine for a festive touch.

Gift Tins

• Gift tins in various sizes
• Ribbon or twine

These gift tins are perfect for packaging up your cookies and giving them as gifts. You can tie the top with ribbon or twine for a festive touch.

Mason Jars

• Mason jars in various sizes
• Ribbon or twine

These mason jars are perfect for packaging up your cookies and giving them as gifts. You can tie the top with ribbon or twine for a festive touch.

We hope these delicious cookie ideas have inspired you to get baking this holiday season. Whether you're making classic sugar cookies or unique maple pecan cookies, we're sure your friends and family will love them. Happy baking!