Christmas Cookies Recipe (Classic Vanilla Biscuits)

Few treats feel as joyful as Christmas cookies. These buttery vanilla biscuits bake up crisp or soft, depending on thickness, and hold their festive shapes perfectly. Sweet, simple, and ready for decorating, they’re ideal for sharing or gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Christmas cookies, you only need a handful of pantry staples. Start with unsalted butter, though you can swap in salted and skip the extra salt. Caster sugar works best for a fine crumb, but white granulated sugar is fine too. Vanilla extract adds warmth, while one egg binds the dough. For structure, use all-purpose flour with a touch of baking powder. A little salt balances the sweetness. That’s it — nothing fancy, just everyday ingredients that most bakers already have in the kitchen, making this recipe both convenient and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup caster or superfine sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan). Line two baking sheets with parchment. Cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Start mixing slowly, then increase speed until a clumpy dough forms. Gather and divide into two discs, which makes rolling easier.

Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to 0.3cm (1/8″) for crisp cookies or 0.6cm (1/4″) for softer ones. Use cookie cutters to press out festive shapes. Gather any scraps, reroll, and cut again. Keep one disc chilled while working with the other so the dough stays manageable. Transfer the cutouts carefully to the baking sheets, leaving space between them.

Bake the Cookies

Bake at 180°C/350°F for about 10 minutes. Halfway through, swap tray positions to promote even baking. The edges should look lightly golden, while the centers remain pale. Remember, cookies continue to firm as they cool on the trays, so resist overbaking. Allow them to cool completely before decorating or storing.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies

Control thickness carefully — thinner cookies turn crisp, thicker ones stay soft. Always bake on parchment for even browning and easy cleanup. Rotating trays halfway prevents uneven spots, especially if your oven runs hotter at the back. Don’t worry about chilling the dough first; this recipe doesn’t require it. However, if your kitchen is warm, chilling helps cut shapes hold better. The dough rerolls beautifully, so you won’t waste any scraps. Let cookies cool fully before decorating so icing or chocolate won’t melt. With these small steps, you’ll get consistent results every time.

Decorating Ideas

These Christmas cookies shine whether plain or dressed up. For a classic touch, dust them lightly with icing sugar. Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate, then set on parchment until firm. Add colorful sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft for a festive finish. Silver balls or edible glitter turn them into elegant party treats. Kids love getting involved too, so set out bowls of icing and toppings for a decorating afternoon. Whether you keep them simple or go all out, these biscuits are just as pretty in a gift tin as they are on the holiday table.

Recipe Notes

This recipe makes about 40 cookies, depending on size and thickness, and fills roughly three baking trays. Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh and soft for up to one week. After that, they begin to dry slightly but are still enjoyable. The cookies hold their shape well, making them perfect for detailed cutters. For gifting, stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Enjoy them as part of a festive spread or alongside a warm drink.

Other recipes you may enjoy

• Cranberry Orange Snowball Cookies
• Classic Beef Bourguignon Christmas Dinner
• Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
• Christmas Baked Salmon Festive Recipe

FAQ

Conclusion

Christmas cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a holiday tradition. Baking a batch fills the house with warmth and sweetness, and decorating together makes memories. Fresh from the oven, these biscuits are simple, buttery, and festive. Share them at holiday gatherings, package them for thoughtful gifts, or let the kids decorate for fun. However you enjoy them, these cookies bring joy to the season. For more creative inspiration, visit my Pinterest board filled with festive ideas.