3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies Recipe – Easy Holiday Baking

These 3-ingredient Christmas cookies are the perfect solution for quick and easy holiday baking. With just flour, butter, and icing sugar, you can create delicious cookies that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a fun family activity, this simple recipe delivers festive treats with minimal effort. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or keep them plain for a classic look.

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup icing sugar

Instructions

1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and icing sugar. Whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy.
• Slowly incorporate the flour into the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough comes together.

2: Roll and Shape

• Move the dough to a work surface lightly dusted with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Take a fork and gently press patterns onto the surface of the dough for added texture.
• Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
• Step 3: Chill the Dough
• Arrange the cut-out cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Place the cookies in the refrigerator and chill them for 20 minutes.

4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Bake the cookies for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

5: Cool and Serve

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Serve plain or decorate as desired.

Helpful Tips

1. Use Room-Temperature Butter
Allow the butter to reach room temperature before starting. Softened butter ensures it blends seamlessly with the icing sugar, creating a smooth and creamy dough.

2. Sift the Icing Sugar
Sifting the icing sugar removes any lumps, making it easier to mix and ensuring a consistent texture for your cookies.

3. Avoid Overmixing the Dough
Mix the dough only until the flour is fully incorporated. Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of soft and tender.

4. Roll the Dough Evenly
To ensure the cookies bake evenly, roll out the dough to a uniform thickness. Using rolling pin guides or a ruler can help maintain consistency.

5. Chill for Better Results
Refrigerating the cookie dough prior to baking helps maintain the cookies’ shape by preventing excessive spreading in the oven. It also helps the cookies hold their shape.

6. Experiment with Decorations
Add festive sprinkles, drizzle melted chocolate, or dust with extra icing sugar for a decorative touch. These simple enhancements make the cookies more visually appealing and festive.

7. Keep an Eye on Baking Time
Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Removing the cookies at the right time ensures they stay soft and buttery.

Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly baked 3-ingredient Christmas cookies every time!

Conservation and Storage

1. Storing at Room Temperature
To keep the cookies fresh for several days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the cookies from sticking to each other. These cookies maintain their buttery texture and flavor for up to 5 days when stored properly.

2. Refrigeration for Extended Freshness
If you need to store the cookies for a longer period, refrigerate them. Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to keep them from drying out. Before serving, allow the cookies to come to room temperature for the best texture and taste. Refrigerated cookies can last up to 10 days.

3. Freezing the Dough
For convenience, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Mark the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking.

4. Freezing Baked Cookies
Baked cookies also freeze well. Allow the cookies to cool fully, then place them in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper.This prevents sticking and preserves their shape. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Proper storage ensures your 3-ingredient Christmas cookies remain fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying them immediately or saving them for later!

Variations

1. Add Flavor Extracts
Enhance the flavor of your cookies by adding extracts such as vanilla, almond, or peppermint. A teaspoon of your favorite extract can give the cookies a festive twist, making them ideal for the holiday season.

2. Incorporate Citrus Zest
Add a burst of freshness to your cookies by mixing in grated orange, lemon, or lime zest. The citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery dough and adds a vibrant aroma.

3. Decorate with Sprinkles
Roll the dough in festive sprinkles or colored sugar before cutting out shapes. This creates colorful cookies that are perfect for Christmas parties and gift boxes.

4. Dip in Chocolate
After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. This variation adds a touch of decadence and is great for chocolate lovers.

5. Add Spices
Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the dough for a holiday-inspired flavor. These spices add depth and make the cookies even more festive.

6. Make Sandwich Cookies
Use two cookies to create a sandwich with a filling of jam, chocolate spread, or buttercream. This turns the simple recipe into an elegant treat.

These creative variations allow you to customize your 3-ingredient Christmas cookies for any occasion!

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with Festive Drinks
Serve these 3-ingredient Christmas cookies alongside seasonal beverages like hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a warm peppermint latte. The buttery texture of the cookies complements the richness of these drinks, making them a perfect pairing for cozy gatherings.

2. Decorate for the Holidays
Enhance their festive appeal by decorating the cookies with royal icing, powdered sugar, or edible glitter. Adding colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make them even more eye-catching and holiday-ready.

3. Create a Cookie Platter
Combine these cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or chocolate crinkles to create an assorted dessert platter. This makes for a stunning presentation at holiday parties or family gatherings.

4. Pack as Gifts
Wrap the cookies in decorative tins, cellophane bags, or festive boxes tied with a ribbon to create thoughtful holiday gifts. Including a handwritten note or recipe card adds a personal touch that recipients will appreciate.

5. Use as Edible Ornaments
For a unique twist, punch a small hole at the top of each cookie before baking. Once baked and cooled, thread ribbons through the holes to hang them as edible ornaments on your Christmas tree.

These serving suggestions add creativity and charm, ensuring your 3-ingredient Christmas cookies shine during the holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Securely wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the dough for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

2. What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
If cookie cutters are unavailable, use the rim of a glass or freehand shapes with a knife. You can also roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with a fork for a simple yet elegant design.

3. Is it possible to substitute salted butter for unsalted?
You can substitute salted butter for unsalted. However, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.

4. How can I tell when the cookies are fully baked?
The cookies are done when the edges have a light golden hue. Avoid overbaking, as it can make them too crisp instead of tender and buttery.

5. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer. Store them for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. How can I customize these cookies?
Add extracts like vanilla or almond, mix in spices like cinnamon, or decorate with icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.

These answers cover common concerns, ensuring your baking process is smooth and enjoyable!

Print

If you enjoyed making these 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies, explore similar festive treats for your holiday baking:

• 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

Conclusion

3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that captures the festive spirit of the season. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorate them with colorful sprinkles and icing, these cookies are versatile and easy to adapt for any holiday celebration.

Their quick preparation and minimal ingredients make them ideal for last-minute baking or involving kids in the kitchen. You can even customize the recipe by adding flavors or creating unique shapes to suit your preferences. These cookies also make thoughtful gifts when packed in festive tins or decorative boxes.

Bake a batch of 3-Ingredient Christmas Cookies to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. Their simplicity, combined with their festive charm, ensures they’ll become a favorite tradition in your holiday baking repertoire!