The art of baking Christmas cookies is a beloved tradition for many families around the world. There's something special about spending time in the kitchen, surrounded by the warm aromas of sweet treats, and creating delicious memories with loved ones. If you're looking to add some new recipes to your holiday repertoire, we've got you covered. Here are 7 Christmas house cookies that you'll love baking:
Baking Christmas cookies is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and it's an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, there's something special about creating sweet treats that bring joy to those around you. And, let's be honest, who doesn't love the idea of indulging in a few (dozen) cookies during the holiday season?
From classic sugar cookies to more elaborate designs, there are countless options when it comes to Christmas cookies. But, if you're looking for something truly special, consider baking cookies that resemble a miniature Christmas house. These adorable treats are sure to impress your friends and family, and they make for a great holiday activity.
1. Gingerbread House Cookies
Gingerbread house cookies are a classic holiday treat that's perfect for the Christmas season. These sweet and spicy cookies are made with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, and they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. To make them even more special, you can decorate them with icing and candy to create a festive holiday scene.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons molasses
- Decorations of your choice (icing, candy, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs and molasses until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Sugar Cookie House Cookies
Sugar cookie house cookies are a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies. These cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie dough, but they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. You can decorate them with icing and sprinkles to create a festive holiday look.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decorations of your choice (icing, sprinkles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Shortbread House Cookies
Shortbread house cookies are a buttery and crumbly treat that's perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are made with a simple shortbread dough, but they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. You can decorate them with icing and sprinkles to create a festive holiday look.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Decorations of your choice (icing, sprinkles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners' sugar.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Linzer House Cookies
Linzer house cookies are a jam-filled treat that's perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are made with a simple shortbread dough, but they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. You can fill them with your favorite jam or preserves for a delicious and festive holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup jam or preserves
- Decorations of your choice (icing, sprinkles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners' sugar.
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Fill the cookies with your favorite jam or preserves.
5. Peanut Butter Blossom House Cookies
Peanut butter blossom house cookies are a classic holiday treat that's perfect for peanut butter lovers. These cookies are made with a peanut butter dough, but they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. You can press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie for a delicious and festive holiday treat.
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
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Hershey's Kisses
- Decorations of your choice (icing, sprinkles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the peanut butter and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
6. Snickerdoodle House Cookies
Snickerdoodle house cookies are a cinnamon-sugar treat that's perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are made with a snickerdoodle dough, but they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. You can decorate them with icing and sprinkles to create a festive holiday look.
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
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
- Decorations of your choice (icing, sprinkles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sprinkle the cookies with cinnamon sugar.
7. Chocolate Crinkle House Cookies
Chocolate crinkle house cookies are a delicious and festive holiday treat that's perfect for chocolate lovers. These cookies are made with a chocolate crinkle dough, but they're cut into the shape of a miniature house. You can decorate them with icing and sprinkles to create a festive holiday look.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar
- Decorations of your choice (icing, sprinkles, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until a dough forms.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
- Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then add it to the dough and mix until well combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut out the house shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar.
We hope you enjoy these 7 Christmas house cookies that you'll love baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are sure to bring joy and festivity to your holiday season. So, go ahead and get baking – and don't forget to share your creations with friends and family!
What is the best type of cookie to make for Christmas?
+The best type of cookie to make for Christmas depends on your personal preferences and the preferences of your guests. Some popular Christmas cookie options include sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and snickerdoodle cookies.
How do I decorate Christmas cookies?
+There are many ways to decorate Christmas cookies, including using icing, sprinkles, and other toppings. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes and designs.
How long do Christmas cookies last?
+The shelf life of Christmas cookies depends on the type of cookie and how they are stored. Generally, Christmas cookies can last for several days to a week when stored in an airtight container.