These Christmas Vanilla Biscuits are the perfect festive treat to brighten up any holiday gathering. With their buttery, sweet flavor and slight vanilla aroma, they capture the joy of the season in every bite. The best part? They hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for fun cut-out shapes and beautiful decorations that can be as simple or elaborate as you wish.
Whether you’re baking with family, preparing a festive treat for Santa, or creating a delightful gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also versatile – decorate them with icing, chocolate, or leave them plain for a classic, deliciously sweet vanilla biscuit. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging during the holidays.
Full Recipe:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened (or salted, skip additional salt)
- 1 cup caster/superfine sugar (granulated/ordinary white sugar works too)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (55-60g)
- 3 cups plain/all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (fan). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy (about 1 minute on medium speed).
- Add the egg and vanilla, beating until fully combined.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Begin mixing slowly, then beat until the flour is fully incorporated (the dough will be clumpy).
- Dust your work surface with flour, scrape out the dough, and pat it together. Divide into two discs.
- Roll out each disc to 0.3cm (for thinner, crispier cookies) or 0.6cm (for thicker, softer cookies), sprinkling with flour to prevent sticking.
- Use cookie cutters to press out shapes and transfer them onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for around 10 minutes, swapping trays halfway through, until the cookies are pale golden and edges are just starting to turn light golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the trays before decorating.
Decorating Options:
- Melt chocolate and dip the surface.
- Dust with icing sugar or decorate with edible silver balls.
- Serve plain – they are sweet and delicious without any topping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 96 kcal per cookie | Servings: Approximately 40 cookies
Recipe Origins and Popularity
The Christmas Vanilla Biscuits, often known as sugar cookies, are a beloved holiday tradition. Their roots trace back to classic European shortbread-style cookies but have evolved to be slightly less crumbly and more suitable for decorating. The appeal of these cookies lies in their versatility – from festive shapes to colorful decorations, they can be customized to fit any holiday theme.
Texture and Flavor
These biscuits have a tender, buttery crumb and a subtle vanilla flavor. They are crisp around the edges but can be made softer by adjusting the thickness of the rolled dough. The sweetness is balanced perfectly, making them suitable for adding icing, chocolate, or other toppings without becoming overly sugary.
Decorating Tips and Ideas
- Icing Options: For an easy and fun way to decorate, try royal icing, which hardens when dry, making the cookies stackable and perfect for gifting. Alternatively, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or water can add a glossy finish.
- Chocolate Coating: Dip half of each cookie into melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for an elegant touch. Sprinkle with festive toppings like crushed candy canes, nuts, or edible glitter for an extra festive flair.
- Natural Colorings and Sprinkles: Use natural food colorings for the icing, like beet juice for pink/red, turmeric for yellow, and matcha for green. Top with sprinkles, edible stars, or silver balls to make them sparkle.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a classic look, simply dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage and Shelf Life
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want to make them in advance, they are still delicious beyond the first week but may start to dry out slightly.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked (but undecorated) cookies in an airtight container. Simply thaw them at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter (not melted) ensures a smooth dough that’s easy to work with. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- No Chill Time Needed: Unlike many cut-out cookies, these do not require chilling before baking, making them quick to prepare. The dough is designed to hold its shape well without the extra waiting time.
- Swapping Baking Trays: To ensure even baking, switch the position of the trays halfway through baking. This helps both trays bake evenly without over-browning on one side.
- Dough Thickness: For a softer cookie, roll the dough thicker (about 0.6cm or 1/4 inch). For crispier cookies, roll it thinner (about 0.3cm or 1/8 inch). Remember, thicker cookies may need an additional minute or two of baking time.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains around 96 kcal, with 12g of carbohydrates, 5g of fat (of which 3g is saturated), and 1g of protein. They are a delightful treat that fits perfectly into a festive occasion without being too indulgent.
Recipe Pairings
- Holiday Drinks: These cookies pair well with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced chai tea, or eggnog. Their mild vanilla flavor complements both creamy and spiced drinks.
- Gift Ideas: Wrap a selection of these cookies in festive cellophane bags or place them in a decorative tin for a perfect homemade holiday gift. Pair with a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.
Seasonal Variations
While this recipe is perfect for Christmas, you can use the same basic dough for other holidays or occasions by changing the cookie-cutter shapes and decorations:
- Easter: Use egg and bunny-shaped cutters, and pastel-colored icing.
- Valentine’s Day: Heart-shaped cookies with pink, red, and white decorations.
- Halloween: Try pumpkin, bat, and ghost shapes, with spooky-themed icing.
Customization and Dough Versatility
One of the greatest strengths of this vanilla biscuit recipe is how adaptable it is. The dough can be customized in numerous ways to create different flavors, textures, and visual appearances. Here are some fun and creative ideas for customization:
Flavor Enhancements
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon, orange, or lime zest to the dough to infuse a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
- Spices: For a spiced twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to the dough. This will create a warming, aromatic cookie perfect for the winter season.
- Almond or Other Extracts: Instead of vanilla extract, try almond, hazelnut, or coconut extract for a more distinctive flavor profile.
Mix-Ins
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chunks of dark chocolate into the dough before rolling it out for an added treat in each bite.
- Dried Fruits: Chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or dried apricots can give the cookies a chewy texture and a tangy-sweet flavor burst.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add a bit of crunch by mixing in finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or pistachios. This gives the cookies a delightful texture and a nutty flavor.
Icing and Decoration Techniques
- Royal Icing Piping: Use royal icing to pipe delicate designs like snowflakes, holly leaves, or even personalized messages on the cookies. If you’re feeling particularly creative, use different colors to make the designs more festive and intricate.
- Colored Sugar and Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle the cut-out shapes with colored sanding sugar or festive nonpareils for a glittery and crunchy topping that sticks right to the cookie.
- Edible Glitter and Luster Dust: For an eye-catching finish, use edible glitter or luster dust to highlight parts of the icing or sprinkle on top of the finished cookies. This adds a magical touch and makes the cookies sparkle.
Texture Considerations
Depending on your preference, you can achieve different textures with these cookies:
- Crispy Cookies: Roll the dough thinner (about 0.3cm) and bake until the edges turn a light golden brown. These cookies will have a satisfying snap.
- Soft Cookies: For a softer texture, roll the dough thicker (about 0.6cm), and be sure not to overbake. The cookies will be more tender and have a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Perfect for Gifting
These cookies are an excellent choice for gifting during the holidays. You can package them beautifully by:
- Layering in Tins: Stack the cookies in decorative tins with parchment paper in between each layer to keep them from sticking.
- Cellophane Bags with Ribbons: Place a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag and tie with a festive ribbon. Attach a handwritten tag with the recipient’s name or a sweet holiday message.
- Cookie Boxes with Compartments: Use bakery-style boxes with compartments to gift an assortment of decorated cookies. This adds a professional touch to homemade gifts.
Recipe Pairings & Ideas for a Full Dessert Spread
These Christmas Vanilla Biscuits can be part of a larger holiday dessert table or cookie spread. Here are some complementary dessert ideas:
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and flavored syrups. The vanilla cookies make the perfect accompaniment for dipping into hot cocoa.
- Assorted Cookie Platter: Include other holiday cookies like gingerbread men, chocolate crinkles, and thumbprint cookies to create a beautiful and colorful cookie platter.
- Fruit and Cheese Pairing: Serve the cookies alongside a selection of fresh fruits like berries, grapes, and slices of pear, along with soft cheeses such as brie or mascarpone for a sophisticated dessert board.
Fun Activities with Kids
Baking and decorating these cookies can be a wonderful holiday activity for kids. Consider the following tips to make it a family-friendly experience:
- Set Up a Decorating Station: Lay out bowls of different colored icings, sprinkles, and edible markers. Allow kids to freely decorate their cookies as creatively as they wish.
- Holiday-Themed Shapes: Use cookie cutters in various holiday shapes like stars, trees, snowmen, and bells to make the cookies more fun and festive.
- DIY Cookie Ornaments: Punch a small hole near the top of each cookie before baking. Once baked and cooled, thread a ribbon through the hole, and you can hang them on your Christmas tree as edible ornaments!
Troubleshooting Tips
- Dough Too Sticky: If the dough is sticking to your rolling pin or work surface, sprinkle more flour as needed, but not too much, as it can dry out the cookies.
- Cookies Spreading While Baking: Ensure that you measure your ingredients precisely. If the butter is too warm, the dough may spread. You can refrigerate the cut-out shapes for a few minutes before baking to help retain their shape.
- Even Baking: For even baking, try to roll out the dough as evenly as possible. Use rolling pin rings or guides to achieve a uniform thickness.
Perfect Occasions to Serve These Cookies
While these cookies are a Christmas classic, they are versatile and can be served on various occasions:
- Holiday Parties & Cookie Swaps: A crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering. Bring a platter of decorated cookies to a holiday party or participate in a cookie swap with friends and family.
- Birthday Party Treats: Customize the shapes and colors to fit a birthday party theme for a fun and memorable treat.
- Thank You Gifts: Homemade cookies make heartfelt thank-you gifts for teachers, coworkers, or neighbors.
Fun Fact About Vanilla Cookies
Did you know that sugar cookies originated in the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania? German Protestant settlers created a round, crumbly, buttery cookie that became known as the “Nazareth Cookie.” Today, these cookies have evolved into various forms around the world and are a staple of holiday celebrations.
Conclusion
Christmas Vanilla Biscuits are not just a delightful holiday treat; they are a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you opt for simple decorations or intricate designs, these cookies bring festive cheer and a sweet aroma to your celebrations. Their versatility allows for endless flavor and presentation possibilities, making them perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings. So, gather your loved ones, roll out the dough, and enjoy the joy of baking this holiday season!