Delicious Christmas cookies to satisfy your sweet cravings
Are you ready for the merriest time of the year? I sure am! With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your holiday baking. And what better way to spread some festive cheer than by making some delicious Merry Christmas Cookies?
This cookie recipe has been a family tradition for generations, passed down from my grandmother to my mother and now to me. Every year, our family members eagerly wait for these cookies to be baked – not only because they’re incredibly tasty but also because they embody the spirit of Christmas.
These cookies are packed with all kinds of goodies – from tart cherries and sweet dates to crunchy pecans and plump white seedless raisins. The combination of flavors is simply divine. The addition of cinnamon lends a warm, inviting aroma that smells like Christmas itself.
In this recipe article, I’ll share with you step-by-step instructions on how to make these scrumptious Merry Christmas Cookies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results.
So let’s get into the holiday spirit together and make some tasty treats that will put a smile on everyone’s face!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, fellow bakers! Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, I’ve got a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Introducing the Merry Christmas Cookies recipe – this is the perfect treat to add some holiday cheer to your baking endeavors!
What makes this recipe so special, you ask? It’s packed with the goodness of cherries, dates, white seedless raisin and pecans that provide a unique and delightful texture to the cookies. And let’s not forget that heavenly aroma of cinnamon that fills your house as these beauties bake in the oven.
But wait, there’s more! Betty Crocker created this festive cookie recipe back in 1963, and since then, it has become an ultimate classic among cookie recipes. Let’s be real – who wouldn’t want to bake cookies that have been tried and tested for nearly six decades?
Oh, did I mention that this recipe requires only basic ingredients like flour, eggs, brown sugar and margarine which are all readily available in most kitchens? Not only does this make it a convenient recipe but it also guarantees consistent results every time you follow it.
Finally, what sets these cookies apart from others is the way they look once decorated during Christmas. You can roll them into shapes of Christmas trees or use a cookie embosser to imprint festive themes like “ho ho” on them. For chocolate lovers out there, add some chocolate chips and voila – very merry chocolate chip cookies!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy and hassle-free way to spread some joy during the holiday season, then look no further! This recipe is sure to become a favorite in no time. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
Ingredient List
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped white seedless raisin
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped red and green candied cherries
Assemble all the ingredients before starting the recipe. You can easily find all these ingredients at your local grocery store or supermarket. They are the key to achieving a delicious batch of Merry Christmas Cookies. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature and that you have sifted the flour prior to use. The lemon extract adds a special flavor note to the cookies, while the cinnamon brings warmth to each bite. The mixture of nuts and dried fruits also contributes to a flavorful cookie texture that will make your taste buds dance.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients for Merry Christmas Cookies, it’s time to get our hands dirty and start our baking. This recipe is highly recommended for those who love to bake, as well as beginners who want to try their hand at easy Christmas cookies this holiday season.
Preheat your oven
The first step in any baking recipe is to preheat your oven. Once you have preheated your oven to 375°F (190°C), you are ready to start the recipe.
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter softened, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth.
Note: If you want to elevate the flavor profile of your cookies, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a teaspoon of lemon extract.
Mix in eggs and honey
Add in one egg at a time until it is thoroughly combined. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of honey and mix for another minute.
Note: For those allergic to eggs, you can substitute one egg with one ripe mashed banana.
Combine dry ingredients
In another medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together 4 cups of plain flour and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Once sifted, slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Tip: To avoid lumps in your mixture, sift your dry ingredients before mixing them in.
Add cherries, dates, white seedless raisins, pecans
Fold in 1 cup of chopped cherries, 1 cup of chopped dates, 1 cup of white seedless raisins, and 1 cup of chopped pecans nuts into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Scoop onto a greased cookie sheet
Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon measurement tool, scoop balls of “merry Christmas” cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each scoop as they will expand during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Bake your cookies at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside.
Cool and decorate
When done baking, let them cool down outside for five minutes before placing them onto a wire rack to cool off completely. Once cooled off completely, feel free to add whatever decorations you fancy with icing or chocolate chips.
Now that you’ve completed this recipe how-to guide, you’re ready to serve some delicious Merry Christmas Cookies! Happy holidays!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to give these Merry Christmas Cookies a little twist, there are plenty of options for substitutions and variations. Here are some suggestions to help inspire your creativity:
– Instead of using pecans, you can swap them out for walnuts or almonds.
– You can also substitute the white seedless raisins with dried cranberries or apricots.
– If you don’t have cherries on hand, diced strawberries or raspberries work great too.
– For a twist on the flavor profile, you can add ginger or nutmeg to the cookie dough.
– You can use a cookie cutter to cut out festive shapes like Christmas trees or stars before baking.
– Want to add some chocolatey goodness? Use chocolate chips or cocoa powder in the dough.
– To make them extra special, decorate with royal icing and sprinkle with gel food coloring.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making these cookies your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different combinations of ingredients.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or put your own spin on it, these Merry Christmas Cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
Merry Christmas Cookies make for an ideal accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee during the winter season. These cookies give off a cozy and inviting aroma that is bound to get you into a festive mood in no time. The delicate combination of cherries, dates, and white seedless raisins wrapped up in a crispy crusts promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Perfectly paired with a cup of frothy hot cocoa or chai tea, these cookies are ready for any sort of pick-me-up. The refreshing flavor of gingerbread is what truly makes Merry Christmas Cookies one of the best holiday desserts out there. The ideal chaser for a heavy family dinner in front of the fireplace, these cookies can be the star attraction atop your holiday buffet.
You can serve these lovely delights on a silver plate or baking tray to make them look more appealing and festive. If you’re feeling experimental, you could also try making little cookie sandwiches with your favorite chocolates or jams spread between two Merry Christmas cookies. You’ll appreciate how they come alive with bigger and bolder flavors as you nibble on them.
On the other hand, if you crave an added dimension of sweetness and creaminess to cut through the cookie’s dense texture, consider whipping up some freshly whipped cream infused with lemon extract. It’s an eye-catching way to enjoy it! This sweet treat blends well with creamy vanilla ice cream or luxuriously rich caramel sauce – you can never go wrong!
In conclusion, Merry Christmas Cookies are great treats which provide comfort during the cool winter evenings. They complement hot beverages well while adding some cheer to any dessert spread. The softness and heartiness of these cookies make them very easy to pair while their warm spices add balance to cocktails or coffee-based drinks. So go ahead and indulge in this easy Christmas cookie recipes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the holiday season! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but boy can it be hectic. That’s why I always try to make things easier on myself by prepping ahead of time. And that’s exactly what you can do with these Merry Christmas Cookies!
One of the best things about these cookies is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for a later date. You can even freeze them for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for last-minute guests.
To store the cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature and warm them up in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until they reach your desired level of warmth.
If you have leftover cookies that you’d like to keep fresh, there are a few tricks I like to use. First, store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag with a slice of bread or a few apple wedges. These natural moisture sources will help keep your cookies moist and fresh for longer.
To reheat the cookies without causing them to lose their crispy exterior, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds on half power and then finish reheating in the oven for two to three minutes.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that every bite of your Merry Christmas Cookies is just as flavorful and enjoyable as when they were first baked. Now go ahead – indulge and make life easier this holiday season!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking is a delicate craft that requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. With this recipe, you can create the perfect Merry Christmas Cookies. However, to achieve the best results, consider these tips:
1. Use Fresh and High-quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients impacts the final product. Make sure to have fresh cherries, dates, white seedless raisin, milk, pecans, baking soda, cinnamon, plain flour, eggs, brown sugar, margarine which will give flavor and texture to the cookies.
2. Measure Your Ingredients Carefully
Baking is much more precise than cooking in terms of measuring ingredients. For example, if you add too little or too much baking soda or flour to the dough it will drastically change the taste of the cookies. If you want perfect results every time you make this recipe then use precise measurements.
3. Cream Your Butter and Sugar Thoroughly
Before adding any other ingredients in your dough make sure that your butter and sugar are well creamed together this will make your cookies fluffy and light
4. Chill The Dough Before Baking It
It’s essential to chill the dough before baking it; otherwise, it will be too soft resulting in flat cookies instead of rising ones with crisp edges that you desire.
5. Preheat Your Oven Accurately
If your oven is not preheated correctly before starting to bake can affect how uniformly baked the cookies are. Always check the accuracy of your oven temperature using an oven thermometer.
6. Bake The Cookies On The Middle Rack
Placing your trays on the upper or lower rack of your oven will give uneven heating resulting in overcooked or undercooked parts of cookies. Bake your cookies in the middle rack for even heat distribution.
7. Rotate And Rearrange The Trays While Baking
Rotate trays during baking making sure they’re all getting equal heat exposure.
Follow these tips for guaranteed success with the Merry Christmas Cookies recipe. Happy Baking!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Merry Christmas Cookies Recipe is an absolutely delightful and mouth-watering way to spread joy during the holiday season. Whether you are baking for your family, friends, or just for yourself, these cookies will leave everyone feeling happy and satisfied.
With a combination of delicious ingredients like cherries, dates, white seedless raisins, and pecans, this recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Not only is it easy and simple to make, but it can also be modified to suit your taste preferences.
So why not add some festive cheer to your life this holiday season with these Merry Christmas Cookies? I promise that you won’t regret trying out this recipe. These cookies can make a perfect gift for your loved ones or even as a treat for Santa on Christmas eve.
So gather up those ingredients, put on some holiday tunes, and let’s get baking! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Ingredients
- 1 cup margarine
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs, well beaten
- 3 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 7 cups pecans
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 lb white seedless raisin
- 6 slices crystallized pineapple (2 red, 2 green 2, yellow)
- 2 cups dates, chopped
- 2 cups cherries (1 red, 1 green)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, flour, soda and cinnamon.
- Add milk then fruit mixture and nuts.
- Drop tea- spoonful on greased cookie sheet. Bake 5 minutes at 300 degrees.
- Makes more than a hundred.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.