There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies during the holiday season. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering, gifting sweet treats, or simply enjoying a cozy baking day, these Christmas cookie recipes will be a hit!

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1. Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Mix in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Chill Dough:
   Cover the dough and chill for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight) to make it easier to handle.
6. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Shape and Bake:
   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon.
8. Bake:
   Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Do not overbake to keep them chewy!
9. Cool:
   Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip:
For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with white chocolate or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

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2. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, eggs, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Chill dough for 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crinkled and set. Let cool and enjoy the minty chocolatey goodness!

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3. Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla.
2. Gradually mix in flour and nuts until a dough forms. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
3. Place balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
4. Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Roll again once fully cooled.

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4. Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup cream cheese frosting or white chocolate for filling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar in another bowl until light. Add egg, food coloring, and vanilla; mix well. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Use your thumb to create an indentation in each cookie.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then fill indentations with frosting or melted white chocolate.

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Happy Baking! ✨
Whether you’re a fan of spicy gingerbread or indulgent chocolate, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. Pair them with a mug of hot cocoa, and you’re all set for a festive treat! Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments!