Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda or baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- ½ cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients carefully. Let the butter soften at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and perfect dough consistency.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use a mixer or hand whisk to cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a tender cookie base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract, ensuring all flavors combine evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda or powder, and holiday spices. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix to form a consistent cookie dough.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: Gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits as desired, distributing them evenly without overmixing the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking trays, leaving space between each cookie to allow spreading. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for best dough texture.
- Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading and maintain thick, chewy cookies.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges turn golden.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Test oven temperature with a thermometer for consistent baking results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend substitution)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, easy cookie recipe, gluten-free cookies, holiday treats