The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, and for us at Easy Home Recipes, that magic often starts in the kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the scent of warm, freshly baked Christmas cookies wafting through your home, instantly transporting you to cherished memories and creating new ones. This year, we’ve taken the guesswork out of holiday baking with our ’12 Days Easy Christmas Cookie Display Board’ guide. We know you want delicious results without the fuss, which is why we’ve handpicked a dozen incredible recipes that are not only show-stopping but also genuinely simple to create. Imagine presenting a beautiful assortment of homemade cookies on your holiday table or gifting a box of edible joy to friends and family – it’s easier than you think! From classic comforting flavors to fun, festive designs, this collection ensures your cookie board will be the star of any celebration. Get ready to bake, decorate, and spread an abundance of holiday cheer with ease this season!
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatulas
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Wire cooling racks
- Rolling pin (for cut-out cookies)
- Cookie cutters (various festive shapes)
- Sifter or whisk
- Small saucepans (for glazes/frostings)
- Piping bags and tips (optional, for decorating)
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Shortening (optional)
- Large eggs
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Peppermint extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- Fine sea salt
- Milk (whole or low-fat)
- Cream (optional)
- Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, white)
- Cocoa powder
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Almonds (slivered, sliced, or chopped)
- Sprinkles
- Sanding sugar
- Food coloring
- Royal icing components (meringue powder)
- Molasses
- Corn syrup
- Cream of tartar
Shopping List
- Produce: Lemons (for zest, if specific recipes include)
- Dairy & Eggs: Unsalted butter, large eggs, whole milk
- Pantry: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, peppermint extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, fine sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, white), cocoa powder, pecans, walnuts, almonds, sprinkles, sanding sugar, food coloring, meringue powder, molasses, corn syrup, cream of tartar
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your chosen cookie recipe (usually 350°F / 175°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat softened butter (and/or shortening) with granulated and/or brown sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and any other liquid flavorings until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any dry spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. If adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them in gently by hand.
- Chill Dough (If Required): Many cookie recipes, especially cut-out cookies or those prone to spreading, benefit from chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Depending on the recipe, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, roll and cut out shapes, or form into balls. Bake according to the recipe’s specified time and temperature until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2-5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, decorate with frosting, glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar as desired.
Tips & Variations
- 1. The Secret to Perfect Dough: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This simple step ensures your ingredients combine smoothly, creating a more uniform dough and ultimately, a superior cookie texture.
- 2. Don’t Be a Tough Cookie: Avoid overmixing your dough once the flour is added. Just mix until everything is combined to prevent gluten from overdeveloping, which can lead to dry, tough cookies.
- 3. Chill Out for Shape: For cookies that hold their shape beautifully, especially cut-outs, don’t skip chilling the dough. It firms up the butter, preventing spread and giving you those perfectly defined edges.
- 4. Precision in Measuring: For consistent results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly can compact the flour, leading to too much dry ingredient and a less tender cookie.
- 5. Elevate with Extracts & Zest: Beyond vanilla, try a splash of almond extract for depth in sugar cookies, a bit of orange or lemon zest for brightness in shortbread, or even a hint of espresso powder to deepen chocolate flavors. These small additions make a big difference!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Once your collection of festive cookies is baked and lovingly decorated, get ready to showcase them! Arrange an inviting spread on a charming holiday cookie board or a multi-tiered stand – it instantly transforms into a beautiful centerpiece perfect for any holiday gathering. These delightful treats pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a spiced apple cider, or your favorite festive coffee. Thinking of holiday gifts? Assemble a thoughtful assortment of these homemade goodies in pretty boxes, festive tins, or clear cellophane bags tied with a cheerful ribbon for a truly personal touch. For keeping your delicious creations fresh, store most varieties in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. Many of these cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; simply layer them with parchment paper in freezer-safe containers to preserve their taste and texture for future enjoyment.
We truly hope this ’12 Days Easy Christmas Cookie Display Board’ guide from Easy Home Recipes helps make your holiday baking joyful and stress-free. Remember, the best part of home baking is sharing the love and creating those sweet, lasting memories. We’d absolutely love to hear about your favorite cookies from this collection, or any unique twists you add! Please share your festive baking triumphs and tips in the comments below – your insights inspire us all. Happy baking, and wishing you a very merry and delicious Christmas season!
12 Days Easy Christmas Cookie Display Board
Discover 12 of the easiest and most delicious Christmas cookie recipes, perfect for creating a stunning holiday display or delightful gifts.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Shortening (optional)
- Large eggs
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Peppermint extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground ginger
- Ground cloves
- Fine sea salt
- Milk (whole or low-fat)
- Cream (optional)
- Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, white)
- Cocoa powder
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Almonds (slivered, sliced, or chopped)
- Sprinkles
- Sanding sugar
- Food coloring
- Royal icing components (meringue powder)
- Molasses
- Corn syrup
- Cream of tartar
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your chosen cookie recipe (usually 350°F / 175°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat softened butter (and/or shortening) with granulated and/or brown sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and any other liquid flavorings until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and any dry spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. If adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them in gently by hand.
- Chill Dough (If Required): Many cookie recipes, especially cut-out cookies or those prone to spreading, benefit from chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Depending on the recipe, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, roll and cut out shapes, or form into balls. Bake according to the recipe's specified time and temperature until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2-5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, decorate with frosting, glaze, sprinkles, or powdered sugar as desired.
