The holiday season is all about cozy moments, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! What better way to celebrate than by baking some festive Christmas cookies with your little ones? Here's a simple yet delightful cookie recipe that is perfect for kids to join in the fun and create some sweet memories.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Assorted food coloring
  • Sprinkles, icing, or decorative toppings of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is perfect for little hands to help mix!
  3. Adding the Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
  4. Incorporating the Flour: Gradually add the flour into the mixture. It's easier to add the flour in small amounts, mixing well after each addition. You might want to knead the dough with your hands toward the end to fully combine everything.
  5. Dividing and Coloring the Dough: Split the dough into smaller portions, depending on how many colors you'd like. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed. This is where the fun begins! Kids can get creative with different colors and combine them for a marbled effect if they'd like.
  6. Rolling and Cutting: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each colored dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Let the kids choose their favorite cookie cutters and cut out shapes. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
  7. Decorating: Before baking, let the kids sprinkle some festive toppings or add decorative icing to the cookies. This step allows their creativity to shine!
  8. Baking: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These delightful Christmas cookies are not only tasty but also a wonderful way to bond with your little ones during the holiday season. Enjoy the warmth of the oven, the laughter of children, and the joy of creating delicious memories together!