Christmas Lights Cookies are the perfect blend of festive cheer and delightful flavors, bringing a burst of color and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie adorned with vibrant icing, reminiscent of twinkling lights on a Christmas tree. quick chocolate cookie recipe The aroma wafts through your home, sparking memories of joyful gatherings and laughter around the holiday table.
As you bake these cookies, you’ll find yourself transported back to cozy family evenings spent decorating the tree, sipping hot cocoa, and reveling in the spirit of the season. cocoa espresso cookies These cookies are not only tasty but also a visual treat that will light up any gathering, making them ideal for holiday parties or as gifts for friends and family.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Lights Cookies are easy to whip up even with the kids involved in decorating
- Their cheerful appearance brightens any dessert table and adds a fun festive touch
- The flavors balance perfectly between sweet and buttery, creating an irresistible treat for everyone
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or colors!
Baking these cookies has always been a hit in our household; I can still recall my sister’s gleeful squeals when she first bit into one.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture and flavor; it makes the cookies soft yet sturdy.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness while helping create that perfect chewy texture.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for richer flavor; let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cookies their lovely rise.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures those cookies puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
- Food Coloring: Get creative with your favorite colors to make those cookies pop like festive lights.
- Powdered Sugar: For icing that adds sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s flavor.
- Milk: A splash of milk helps achieve the right consistency in your icing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda before gradually adding this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Chill Out!: Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for shaping those perfect cookies.
Bake Them Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
Create Colorful Icing: While cooling, mix powdered sugar with milk and food coloring until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed; thicker for outlining, thinner for filling.
Decorate Your Cookies : Once completely cooled, unleash your inner artist! Pipe colorful icing onto each cookie to mimic Christmas lights or whatever design speaks to you.
With every bite of these delightful Christmas Lights Cookies, you will capture both warmth and nostalgia of cherished holiday moments while spreading joy through each colorful creation. monster eye cupcakes recipe fun popcorn mix for parties Enjoy baking!
You Must Know
- These Christmas Lights Cookies not only bring festive cheer but also a delightful crunch
- The bright colors and sweet aroma will have your family hovering around the kitchen, eager for a taste
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply spreading joy at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect cookies, chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading. Preheat your oven well to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the M&Ms for chocolate chips or add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make these Christmas Lights Cookies truly shine, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing
- Avoid overbaking by checking them a couple of minutes before the suggested time
- Always let them cool on a wire rack to maintain their texture!
Sharing these cookies with friends during our annual holiday party made my heart swell with joy as they devoured them in seconds, asking for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use different types of candy in Christmas Lights Cookies?
For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Easter MM Cookies recipe.
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match candies according to your preference.
How can I make my cookies softer?
Try adding an extra egg yolk; it enhances moisture and softness in cookies.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.
Christmas Lights Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Christmas Lights Cookies are a festive treat that combines delightful flavors with cheerful designs. These soft, chewy cookies are adorned with vibrant icing, reminiscent of twinkling Christmas lights. Baking these cookies not only fills your home with a sweet aroma but also creates lasting memories of holiday joy and togetherness. Perfect for parties or as gifts, they add a colorful touch to any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (various colors)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually combine with the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Chill the dough in plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- While cooling, mix powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring for icing.
- Once cooled, decorate with icing to mimic Christmas lights or your desired design.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
