Pillsbury Christmas Cookie Dough Recipe And Decorating Ideas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking and decorating Christmas cookies? Pillsbury, a trusted name in the world of baking, offers a classic Christmas cookie dough recipe that is easy to make and fun to decorate. In this article, we'll share the recipe, along with some creative decorating ideas to make your holiday cookies truly special.

Classic Pillsbury Christmas Cookie Dough Recipe

This classic recipe is a staple of holiday baking, and for good reason. The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and spices creates a tender and delicious cookie that is perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or decorating.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until a dough forms.
6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
9. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Ideas for Your Christmas Cookies

Now that you have your delicious Christmas cookies, it's time to get creative with decorating! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Colored Sugar: Sprinkle colored sugar onto your cookies before baking for a simple and festive touch.
• Royal Icing: Make a batch of royal icing and use it to create intricate designs, borders, and patterns on your cookies.
• Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to your cookies before baking for a fun and playful touch.
• Candy Canes: Use candy canes to create festive stripes or borders on your cookies.
• Edible Images: Use edible images or prints to create custom designs on your cookies.

10 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Cookies

1. Snowflake Cookies: Use a small cookie cutter to create intricate snowflake designs on your cookies.
2. Reindeer Cookies: Use royal icing to create reindeer faces on your cookies, complete with antlers and red noses.
3. Santa Hat Cookies: Use red and white royal icing to create Santa hats on your cookies, complete with white pom-poms.
4. Gingerbread House Cookies: Use royal icing to create gingerbread house designs on your cookies, complete with candy cane borders.
5. Christmas Tree Cookies: Use green royal icing to create Christmas tree designs on your cookies, complete with red and white ornaments.

Tips and Tricks for Decorating Your Christmas Cookies

Here are some tips and tricks to help you decorate your Christmas cookies like a pro:

• Use a Piping Bag: Use a piping bag to create intricate designs and borders on your cookies.
• Experiment with Colors: Experiment with different colors and combinations of colors to create unique and festive designs.
• Add a Personal Touch: Add a personal touch to your cookies by using names, dates, or special messages.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be discouraged if your first attempts at decorating don't turn out perfectly – practice makes perfect!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Christmas Cookies

1. Over-Decorating: Avoid over-decorating your cookies, as this can make them look cluttered and messy.
2. Using Too Much Icing: Avoid using too much icing, as this can make your cookies look soggy and unappetizing.
3. Not Allowing Icing to Set: Make sure to allow your icing to set before serving or storing your cookies.

We hope this article has inspired you to get creative with your Christmas cookie decorating. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and delicious cookies that are sure to impress friends and family. Happy baking and decorating!