Super Easy Christmas Cookies (A Family Favorite)
Every Christmas, there’s one recipe I return to without hesitation. These cookies are that recipe. I started baking them years ago for my sons’ school Christmas bazaars. They were always a best-seller, the kind of treat people came back for, asking, “Are there any left?” Over time, they became my go-to Christmas bake — reliable, loved by everyone, and incredibly easy.
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This is a foolproof Christmas recipe: The dough is simple, buttery, and very forgiving. If you enjoy decorating, these cookies are a dream.
I did invest in a few creative Christmas cookie cutters this year, which made decorating even more fun, but classic shapes work perfectly too. What really matters is the flavor.
I made two versions: one plain vanilla and one with a teaspoon of ginger spice powder. Both were equally loved.
I also discovered glittery glass sugar this year, which added a subtle sparkle and made even the simplest cookies look special.
How to Make the Cookies
Begin by mixing the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. The goal is a unified, soft base that will give the cookies their buttery texture.
Add the egg and mix again until fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients and fold them into the mixture. Mix only until a dough forms; overworking it will make the cookies firm rather than tender. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.
Roll out the dough to a good thickness. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and stay soft inside while being lightly crisp at the edges.
Cut into shapes, transfer to a prepared baking tray, and bake just until lightly golden at the edges. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating or serving.
Simple Icing
Mix icing sugar with a small amount of water or lemon juice until smooth and thick. Decorate and add toppings before the glaze sets.
Ginger Variation
Add 1 teaspoon of ginger spice powder to the dry ingredients for a warmer, spiced version that feels especially festive.
Super-Easy Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 450 grams all-purpose flour
- 250 grams butter softened
- 250 grams sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Optional
- 1 tsp ginger spice
- edible decorations
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until soft and creamy.
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until a dough forms.
- The dough should be slightly flaky and break easily — this is exactly what you want.
- Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 1.5 cm thick (around 0.6 inches).
- This thickness is the secret to rich, buttery cookies that don’t dry out.
- Cut with your favorite cookie cutters and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool completely, and decorate if you wish.
Notes
Simple White Glaze (for decorating)
Mix icing sugar with a few drops of water or lemon juice until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.Use a spoon or piping bag to decorate the cookies, then add sprinkles or edible decorations before it sets.
Ginger Spice
Want a ginger touch? Simply add 1 teaspoon of ginger spice powder to the dry ingredients.The result is warmer, more aromatic cookies with a subtle Christmas spice that pairs beautifully with white glaze or chocolate decorations.
Nutrition
These cookies are perfect for baking with children, sharing with friends, or gifting during the holidays. They are simple, adaptable, and always well-received — proof that the best Christmas recipes don’t need to be complicated.
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Super-Easy Christmas Cookies
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
