Christmas Cookies Kids Will Love: 7 Festive Tips

Name: Christmas Cookies Kids Will Love: 7 Festive Tips
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons milk; 1/2 cup colored sugar for decoration

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Ah, the magic of Christmas cookies! There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats, especially when you’re baking with kids. The excitement in their eyes as they decorate their very own Christmas cookies is simply priceless! Trust me, these moments create memories that will be cherished long after the cookies are gone. This recipe is all about creating delicious, soft cookies that kids will love to decorate and eat. Imagine rolling out dough, using cookie cutters to make festive shapes, and then letting the little ones go wild with icing and sprinkles. That’s the kind of holiday fun we all need! So, gather your ingredients, grab your little helpers, and let’s dive into making these delightful Christmas cookies kids will absolutely adore. Get ready for a festive baking adventure that’s sure to fill your home with joy and laughter!

Ingredients List

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 to 4 tablespoons milk (or just enough to make a soft dough)
1/2 cup colored sugar for decoration

How to Prepare Christmas Cookies Kids Will Love

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies start cooking right away, giving them that perfect golden color and texture. You want them to bake evenly, so don’t skip this step, okay? While that’s heating up, you can get everything else ready!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, grab a small bowl and mix together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This combo is essential for getting those cookies to rise just right! Use a whisk to blend them together and make sure there are no lumps. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference!

Cream Together Butter and Sugar

In a larger mixing bowl, let’s cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon – whichever you prefer! You want to beat them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, almost like whipped cream. This usually takes about 3 minutes. The fluffiness creates air pockets that help the cookies rise beautifully!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Make sure everything is mixed well and smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen, as those warm, sweet scents fill your kitchen!

Create the Dough

Gradually blend in the dry ingredient mixture you made earlier. It’s best to do this in parts to avoid a flour explosion! Add a little at a time and mix until everything is just combined. If the dough is too dry, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk until it reaches a soft, manageable consistency. You want it to be just sticky enough to hold together but not so sticky that it clings to your fingers!

Shape the Cookies

Now for the really fun part! Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into little balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. If you want to get creative, use cookie cutters for festive shapes! Once they’re on the sheet, flatten each ball gently with the bottom of a glass and sprinkle with colored sugar. Let your kids go wild with the decorations – it’s all about having fun!

Baking Process

Slide those cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them to turn a lovely golden color around the edges, while still being soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Cooling the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial because it helps them set properly and prevents them from getting soggy. Plus, it’s the perfect time to grab a cup of hot cocoa while you wait!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; it should be room temperature for the best creaming results. This makes a big difference in texture! Also, don’t skip the chilling step if you have time—if the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Another key tip is to use a cookie scoop for even-sized dough balls. This not only makes for a uniform look but also ensures they bake evenly. Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time; every oven is different! Lastly, let the kids sprinkle extra colored sugar or even mini chocolate chips on top before baking for a special touch. Happy baking!

Variations for Christmas Cookies Kids

Now that you’ve got the basic Christmas cookies kids love, let’s have some fun with variations! There are so many creative ways to customize these cookies that will make your baking session even more exciting. For starters, consider swapping out the vanilla extract for different flavors. Almond, orange, or even peppermint extracts can add a delightful twist that makes each batch unique. Just a teaspoon can completely change the cookie’s personality!

If your little ones are chocolate fans (who isn’t, right?), why not fold in some mini chocolate chips or festive M&Ms into the dough? This adds a delightful surprise in every bite and gives a pop of color that’s perfect for the holiday spirit. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for added crunch if your kids are game for it!

Feeling a bit adventurous? Try adding some dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart burst that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough. And let’s not forget about sprinkles! Kids love to sprinkle colorful bits on top before baking, making each cookie a festive work of art. With these fun variations, each batch can be a new adventure in flavor and creativity!

Serving Suggestions

These delightful Christmas cookies are perfect on their own, but why not elevate the experience a bit? I love serving them alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or a cold glass of milk. The rich chocolate and creamy milk pair beautifully with the sweet, buttery cookies, creating the ultimate treat! If you’re feeling festive, you can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream on top of your hot chocolate for an extra touch.

For a fun twist, consider setting up a cookie decorating station with some icing and extra sprinkles, and let everyone personalize their own cookie while enjoying their favorite drink. It makes for a festive gathering that everyone will remember! And if you’re hosting a holiday party, these cookies can also be a charming addition to a dessert platter, mixed in with other seasonal treats. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious Christmas cookies kids love fresh and tasty, proper storage is key! Once the cookies have completely cooled on the wire racks, transfer them to an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness and prevents them from becoming stale. I usually layer parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking together, especially if you’ve added frosting or decorations on top.

These cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, but if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

If you want to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again, you can reheat them! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This warms them up and revives that soft, gooey goodness we all love. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might lose their delightful texture! Happy storing and reheating!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these Christmas cookies kids love, it’s always good to know what you’re munching on! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one cookie:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoying these cookies as part of a balanced diet is what the holidays are all about, so indulge a little and make those sweet memories!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these Christmas cookies kids love in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out. Or, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking!

Q2: What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can simply replace it with more vanilla extract or any other flavor you like. Lemon or orange extracts can add a fun twist to your cookies!

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for about a week. If they last that long!

Q4: Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can! Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit. I’d recommend mixing half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat for a delightful flavor and texture!