Introduction
There’s something magical about the holiday season that makes everything feel a bit sweeter, especially when it comes to baking. This year, why not try your hand at these delightful Twisted Christmas Cookies? Bursting with festive flavors and adorned with colorful sprinkles and crushed peppermint, these cookies bring a delightful twist to your traditional holiday treats. The combination of rich butter, sweetness from both granulated and brown sugar, and the refreshing crunch of peppermint will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup red and green sprinkles
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Setting this aside will help keep your dry ingredients well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a wonderful aroma to your dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies, vibrant sprinkles, and creamy white chocolate chips, which will provide a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible scent of fresh cookies!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This will help them set perfectly!
Notes or Tips
To maintain the cookies’ freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For an extra festive touch, you can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving or gifting!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming butter and sugars, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a fluffy texture. Also, when incorporating the dry ingredients, fold gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to replace white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How can I make these cookies even more festive?
You can add a pinch of peppermint extract for an extra minty kick or use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create fun shapes!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough in individual portions. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking when you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies.
Conclusion
These Twisted Christmas Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit with every bite! Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, joy, and lots of delicious cookies!