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To make these cookies, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract - 1 large egg These ingredients work together to create a soft and chewy cookie. The butter gives richness, while the sugars add sweetness and a lovely golden color. To make your cookies even more festive, consider adding: - 1 cup festive sprinkles (red, green, and white) - 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) - 1 cup white chocolate chips These add-ins bring fun colors and extra flavors to your cookies. Sprinkles make them look cheerful, while nuts add a nice crunch. White chocolate chips add creamy sweetness that pairs well with the cookie base. For the full recipe, check the details above! 1. Preheat your oven and prepare baking sheets. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps cookies bake evenly. 2. Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this aside. 3. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mix is light and fluffy. 1. Add extracts and egg. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat in 1 large egg until fully mixed. 2. Blend dry and wet mixtures. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; it will help keep the cookies tender. 3. Incorporate add-ins. Gently fold in 1 cup of festive sprinkles, 1 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts, if you like), and 1 cup of white chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. 1. Scoop dough and arrange on sheets. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop; the cookies will spread while baking. 2. Timing and temperature for baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The centers may seem underbaked but will firm up as they cool. 3. Cool cookies effectively. Once baked, take them out of the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy making your Days of Christmas Cookies! For the full recipe, refer to the ingredients section. To make the best cookies, focus on texture. Aim for a soft and chewy cookie. Here are some tips for achieving that perfect bite: - Achieving the right cookie texture: Use room temperature butter. Cold butter can make cookies hard. Cream butter and sugars well to add air. This gives cookies a fluffy texture. - Best practices for mixing ingredients: Mix dry ingredients first. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and powder. When combining wet and dry, stir gently. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. - Avoiding overbaking for chewy cookies: Keep an eye on the timer. Take cookies out when edges are golden, but centers look soft. They will firm up while cooling. Cookies can be a feast for the eyes too! Use these fun ideas to make your cookies shine: - Creative ways to present your cookies: Arrange cookies on a colorful platter. Use different shapes to make a fun display. Tall stacks of cookies look great too. - Using additional sprinkles for a festive look: After baking, add more sprinkles. This brightens them up and adds fun texture. You can even drizzle melted chocolate on top for a sweet touch. - Packaging cookies for gifting: Wrap cookies in clear bags. Tie with ribbons or twine for a charming gift. You can also use festive boxes. This shows care and makes your treats more special. For a full recipe, check out the Days of Christmas Cookies! {{image_2}} You can easily switch up flavors in your Christmas cookies. Try using different extracts, like peppermint. This adds a cool, festive touch to your treats. You can also mix in various types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate brings rich flavor, while milk chocolate gives sweetness. Both choices make your cookies fun and unique. If you need gluten-free cookies, use alternative flours. Almond flour or coconut flour works well. These options keep your cookies tasty and light. For those who need dairy-free options, substitute regular butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. This keeps the cookies soft and delicious for everyone. Get creative with themed cookie ideas! You can make cookies inspired by festive flavors like gingerbread or peppermint. These flavors are classic and loved by many. You can also shape cookies into fun holiday themes. Snowman or Christmas tree shapes add joy to your holiday baking. Use cookie cutters to create these fun shapes, and watch everyone smile as they enjoy your festive treats! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor. You can keep them at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing. To freeze unbaked cookie dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, let them cool completely. Then, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Baked cookies can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat cookies, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft and warm. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. However, they may not be as good as oven-heated cookies. Always check to avoid overheating. For a delicious treat, refer to the Full Recipe and enjoy your baking journey! How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much? To stop cookies from spreading, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up. Use parchment paper on your baking sheets. It gives a non-stick surface. Make sure you measure your flour correctly too. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine. Just keep in mind that it may change the flavor a bit. Choose a stick margarine for best results, not the spreadable kind. What is the best way to make my cookies soft and chewy? Using brown sugar helps cookies stay soft and chewy. Don't overmix your dough. Also, take them out of the oven when they are just golden on the edges. Can I save cookie dough for later use? Absolutely! You can save cookie dough in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking. What can I use instead of egg for vegan cookies? You can use applesauce or mashed banana as a great egg substitute. About 1/4 cup works well for each egg. Flaxseed meal mixed with water is another option. How do I make royal icing for decorating cookies? To make royal icing, mix 2 egg whites with 4 cups of powdered sugar. Beat until you see stiff peaks. You can add food coloring for fun designs. What should I do if my cookies turn out hard? If your cookies are hard, check your baking time. You may have overbaked them. Also, try adding more brown sugar next time for moisture. Why aren’t my cookies spreading? If your cookies don't spread, your dough might be too cold. Try letting it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before baking. How do I get perfect cookie shapes? To get perfect shapes, use cookie cutters or scoop dough with an ice cream scoop. Ensure the dough is chilled, as it helps maintain the shape. You now have all the tools to bake delicious Christmas cookies. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips. Remember to choose your flavor and decoration wisely. Don't forget about storage and variations to keep things exciting. These cookies can bring joy and warmth to your holiday. With these easy steps, you can share sweet treats with loved ones. Let your creativity shine as you bake and decorate. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Days of Christmas Cookies

Get ready to bake the ultimate Days of Christmas Cookies! This delightful recipe mixes buttery goodness with festive sprinkles and white chocolate chips for a holiday treat everyone will love. With easy steps, you’ll whip up a batch of 24 delicious cookies in just 30 minutes. Perfect for sharing or gifting, these cookies will surely bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations. Click to explore full instructions and make your holiday baking merrier!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 large egg

1 cup festive sprinkles (red, green, and white)

1 cup chopped nuts (optional: such as pecans or walnuts)

1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

    In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

        Add the vanilla and almond extracts, then beat in the egg until well incorporated.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

            Gently fold in the festive sprinkles, chopped nuts (if using), and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

              Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread.

                Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

                  Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with extra sprinkles to create a holiday centerpiece. Alternatively, package them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for gifting!