During the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. These Heirloom Christmas Cookies are a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for bringing the whole family together. This recipe has been passed down through generations, making it a cherished tradition in many homes. The blend of warm spices and festive decorations will fill your kitchen with the spirit of the season. So, gather your loved ones and create memories while baking and decorating these delightful cookies.
**Heirloom Christmas Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp ground nutmeg
– ½ tsp ground cloves
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
– In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
– Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well until combined.
– Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
2. **Chill the Dough:**
– Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk.
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
3. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. **Roll and Cut the Cookies:**
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to around ¼ inch thickness.
– Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
– Reroll any scraps and continue cutting out shapes.
5. **Bake the Cookies:**
– Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
– Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Decorate:**
– Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to add a festive touch.
– Allow the decorations to set before storing the cookies.
These Heirloom Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. They can also be wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon to give as thoughtful homemade gifts to friends and family. Enjoy the process of baking these special treats and savor the joy they bring to your home during the festive season. Happy baking!
