Delicious Christmas Cookie Box: Festive Treats to Share

This Christmas Cookie Box features an assortment of festive cookies, perfect for sharing and creating memories.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 30

Cooling Time 30

Total Time 2

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Gingerbread Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour A key base that gives structure; measure correctly for best results.
2 teaspoons ground ginger Delivers that signature warm spice flavor; consider adding fresh ginger for an extra kick.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a comforting aroma and flavor; an essential spice for holiday treats.
1 teaspoon baking soda Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect soft texture; don't skip this ingredient.
1 cup dark brown sugar Provides moisture and deep molasses flavor; ideal for gingerbread.
0.5 cup molasses Gives cookies their distinct color and richness; light molasses can be used for a milder flavor.
1 large egg Binds ingredients together; replace with a flax egg for a vegan option.
0.5 cup butter Adds richness and a tender texture; use unsalted for better control of sweetness.

Vanilla Royal Icing

2 cups powdered sugar The foundation for sweet icing; sift before measuring for a smooth consistency.
2 tablespoons egg white powder Creates a stable icing that will hold its shape; use pasteurized egg whites if preferred.
4 tablespoons water Adjust the consistency of the icing as needed; less for piping, more for flooding.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the icing flavor; feel free to substitute almond extract for a new twist.

Peppermint Sugar Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour Essential for structure, just like with gingerbread cookies.
1 cup butter Provides flavor and tender texture; ensure it's softened for easy mixing.
1 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness; try using half brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract Gives the festive zing of peppermint; can be adjusted based on preference.
1 teaspoon baking powder Leavens the cookies for a lighter texture; remember to check its freshness.

Raspberry Linzer Cookies

2 cups almond flour Introduces a nutty flavor; consider a gluten-free blend for a suitable alternative.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar Keeps the dough tender and sweet; ideal for melding flavors with the jam.
0.5 cup butter A must for rich taste; unsalted is preferred for better balanced sweetness.
0.5 cup raspberry jam Provides a deliciously tart filling; swap with your favorite jam for variety.

Double Chocolate Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour Keeps the cookie dough together and balanced.
0.5 cups cocoa powder Intensifies the chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed for extra richness.
1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough; use a combination of brown sugar for more moisture.
1 cup double chocolate chips Adds chunks of chocolate in every bite; feel free to use any type of chocolate.

Butter Cookie Swirls

3 cups all-purpose flour Essential for creating the perfect cookie texture.
1 cup butter A crucial ingredient for flavor and texture; ensure it's at room temperature.
1 cup sugar Sweetens the cookies perfectly; consider using powdered sugar for a lighter texture.
1 teaspoon almond extract Provides a lovely aromatic flavor; vanilla extract works well too for traditional taste.

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Rolling Pin
Cookie Cutters
Baking sheets
parchment paper
Piping Bags
Wire rack

Method

Preparation

Start by mixing all-purpose flour, baking soda, and spices for the gingerbread cookies in a large bowl. In another bowl, cream together dark brown sugar and butter, then add molasses and an egg, stirring until combined. Chill the gingerbread dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle. Repeat this process for the peppermint sugar cookies and butter cookie swirls.

Shaping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled gingerbread dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, then use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. For the peppermint sugar cookies, roll into balls and flatten slightly. Shape butter cookie swirls by piping the dough directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for beautiful patterns.

Baking

Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven, baking the gingerbread men for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft. Bake the peppermint mounds for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on the butter cookie swirls, as they should only bake for about 12 minutes or until just set.

Cooling

Once baked, remove the cookie trays from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack using a spatula, allowing them to cool completely. This step ensures that the cookies retain their shape and texture, making them perfect for decorating later.

Decorating

Prepare the vanilla royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, water, and egg white powder until smooth. Divide the icing into bowls and tint with food coloring for festive designs. Use piping bags to outline and flood the gingerbread cookies or drizzle the sugar cookies with icing. For raspberry Linzer cookies, spread a layer of jam between two cookie pieces before dusting with powdered sugar.

Assembly

Once decorated, let the cookies dry completely for at least 30 minutes. Carefully arrange the festive treats in an attractive box, alternating cookie types for a vibrant display. This 2024 Christmas Cookie Box not only showcases your hard work but also provides a delightful assortment perfect for sharing or holiday gifting!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Baking together during the holidays creates cherished memories, making this a special tradition to uphold.

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