Oh, the joy of baking during Christmas! There’s something incredibly magical about gathering with kids in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, and laughter ringing out as we create festive masterpieces. I can still remember the first time I made Christmas cookies for kids with my little ones. We turned the kitchen into a wonderland filled with colorful sprinkles and sweet frosting, and the smiles on their faces as they decorated each cookie were priceless. It’s not just about making delicious treats; it’s about making memories that last a lifetime. As we roll out dough and cut out shapes, we bond over stories and giggles, all while dreaming of Santa and holiday cheer. Trust me, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of delightful Christmas cookies for kids, ready to be decorated and devoured! So, grab those cookie cutters and let’s get started on a fun-filled baking adventure!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookies for Kids
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create festive Christmas cookies for kids that are both delicious and fun to decorate! You’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – to help the cookies rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – for that delightful fluffiness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – this adds richness and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – because we want our cookies sweet!
- 1 egg – a binding agent that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that classic cookie aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – a subtle hint of nutty goodness.
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk – to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Colored sprinkles and frosting – for decorating and making the cookies festive!
How to Prepare Christmas Cookies for Kids
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the delightful process of making these Christmas cookies for kids! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies ready for decorating in no time. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is a crucial step, as it ensures the cookies bake evenly and perfectly golden.
While the oven warms up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients. In one bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This mixture is the foundation of our cookie dough, so make sure it’s well combined.
In another bowl, it’s time to cream together the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look light and airy—like a cloud of sweet goodness!
Next, beat in the 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help to bind everything together. Mix until combined.
Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the mix! Gradually blend the flour mixture into the butter-sugar-egg concoction. It’s best to do this in batches, so add about a third of it at a time, mixing gently after each addition. This will prevent any flour clouds from forming and keep your kitchen tidy!
If the dough feels a bit too stiff, don’t hesitate to add 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk. This will help soften the dough just right for rolling out.
Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your countertop and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; that’s part of the fun! Grab your favorite cookie cutters—stars, trees, or even gingerbread men—and cut out shapes. Place them on ungreased baking sheets, giving each cookie a bit of space to spread.
Pop those cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as oven times can vary! You want them to look slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time is essential—hot cookies can be a bit fragile! After they’ve cooled completely, gather your sprinkles and frosting, and get ready to decorate. Trust me, this is the best part!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making Christmas cookies for kids is a delightful experience filled with joy, laughter, and creativity! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Fun for Everyone: Kids love getting their hands messy, and decorating cookies lets them express their creativity!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these cookies with ease.
- Quality Family Time: Baking together creates cherished memories and strengthens family bonds.
- Customizable Treats: Each cookie can be uniquely decorated, making every batch special.
- Deliciously Sweet: These cookies are not just fun to make; they taste amazing too!
Tips for Success with Christmas Cookies for Kids
To make sure your Christmas cookies for kids turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips!
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels sticky while rolling, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It’ll be easier to handle and shape!
- Baking times vary: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last couple of minutes in the oven. Every oven is different, and you want them just golden on the edges.
- Decorate with flair: Let the kids go wild with sprinkles, colored sugars, or even edible glitter for a festive touch!
- Use different shapes: Mix up cookie cutter shapes to keep it exciting! Stars, snowmen, and candy canes are all fun choices!
- Practice patience: Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating. This helps the frosting stay put!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your delicious Christmas cookies for kids, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them soft and scrumptious for up to a week. If you have a lot of cookies (lucky you!), consider layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
If you ever need to reheat them, just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked softness without losing any flavor. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying Christmas cookies for kids, it’s always good to know what’s in them! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is an estimate. Each cookie generally contains around 150 calories, with about 7g of fat (including 4g of saturated fat), 2g of protein, and 10g of sugar. You’ll also find approximately 20g of carbohydrates and 50mg of sodium in each cookie. These treats are perfect for festive fun, but moderation is key—especially with all that delicious frosting and sprinkles! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Christmas cookies for kids? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.
- What’s the best way to decorate the cookies? Get creative! Use colored frosting, sprinkles, or even edible glitter. Let the kids go wild—it’s all about having fun!
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. If your dough is too warm, chill it for a bit before rolling out.
- Can I freeze the cookies? Yes! Once baked, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, and you can decorate them after thawing.
- What if I don’t have almond extract? No problem! You can simply substitute it with more vanilla extract or leave it out altogether. The cookies will still taste delightful!
Christmas Cookies for Kids: 5 Sweet Memories Await
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fun Christmas cookies for kids to decorate and enjoy.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- Colored sprinkles and frosting for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Add milk as needed to soften the dough.
- Roll out dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Let them cool before decorating.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different shapes for variety.
- Get creative with decorations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas cookies for kids
