Festive Spiced Christmas Cookies That Warm Your Heart

Bake a batch of Festive Spiced Christmas Cookies that fill the air with holiday cheer and warmth.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cookies, creamy frosting, Festive Spiced Christmas Cookies, gift ideas, holiday baking, Seasonal Treats

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Cooling Time: 5

Total Time: 45

Servings: cookies

Calories: 120kcal

Equipment

Oven
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheets
Parchment Paper
Wire racks

Ingredients

For the Cookies

2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.75 cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
0.5 cup brown sugar packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon molasses

For the Creamy Frosting

0.5 cups unsalted butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or more for desired consistency
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
food coloring optional
sprinkles or edible decorations optional

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers are soft and slightly underbaked.
Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix until smooth, adding milk as needed.
Once cookies are cool, frost each cookie and add food coloring or sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Chill dough for 30 minutes for better shape retention during baking. Keep an eye on baking time to ensure cookies are slightly underbaked for a soft texture.

Nutrition