Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are a festive way to bring holiday cheer right from your oven, and they’re perfect for cookie exchanges, decorating with the kids, or gifting to friends and family. What I love about this recipe is how the delicate, buttery dough shapes into charming ornaments that you can personalize with colorful icing and sprinkles.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe incredibly user-friendly. The dough holds its shape beautifully, so your decorations really pop. I remember the first time I made these with my little ones; they were over the moon to see their handiwork come to life on these adorable cookies. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your holiday baking tradition will never be the same!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe come together to create the ideal balance of buttery richness and just the right amount of sweetness. Most of them are staples you probably have on hand, and I’ve found that using quality vanilla and fresh butter really lifts the flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your dough that gives structure without making the cookies tough.
• Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for a tender texture and to control the salt in your cookies.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
• Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract: This is where the magic happens—boosts flavor wonderfully.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight lift so they aren’t too dense.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Optional spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg): I love adding these for a subtle festive hint, but totally up to you!

Variations

I love that you can make this Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe your own by switching up flavors, decorating styles, or even making it gluten-free. It’s a versatile canvas for whatever holiday mood you’re in.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend; I’ve found a 1:1 swap works great without sacrificing texture.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves with the cinnamon for a warming spice mix that feels super Christmassy.
• Decorating Style: Try royal icing for detailed designs or simple powdered sugar glazes with colored sanding sugar for easier decorating sessions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs—it’s a bit different but still delicious.

How to Make Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and optional spices—in a large bowl. In another, beat your softened butter and sugar together until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla extract. This two-bowl method helps ensure even mixing without overworking the dough.

Step 2: Combine and Chill the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined. Once your dough forms, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least one hour (or overnight). This step is crucial because cold dough rolls out more easily and holds those ornament shapes better during baking.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Your Ornaments

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness. Use your favorite ornament cookie cutters to shape the dough. Don’t forget to create a little hole near the top of each cookie if you want to thread ribbon through later for hanging!

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Place your cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep an eye on them since thin cookies bake quickly! Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before decorating.

How to Serve Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually go for classic red and green royal icing with a sprinkle of edible glitter or tiny silver dragees for a touch of sparkle. Sometimes I add a dab of white icing “snow” effects which my family absolutely adores. Using multicolored nonpareils also adds a playful pop that’s perfect for kids.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a chai latte. For holiday parties, I like setting them alongside a cheese and charcuterie board—they bring a sweet balance to savory nibbles.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I threaded thin satin ribbons through the ornament holes and hung them on my Christmas tree as edible decorations—such a hit! Another idea is to arrange a batch in a holiday-themed box tied with a bow for gifting. If you make a lot, layering them between sheets of wax paper in a beautifully decorated tin is a lovely way to store and share your work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After decorating, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them nice and crisp. They usually last well for up to a week, but I’m honest—most don’t stick around that long in my house!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies before decorating. Just freeze them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or box. Thaw at room temperature when ready. I recommend decorating after thawing for the best icing results.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up cookies that have softened a bit, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp them back up, but be careful not to melt the icing!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Ornament Shaped Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together delicious baking and festive creativity in the coziest way. I hope you’ll enjoy making these as much as my family always does—it’s one of those recipes that really makes holiday memories sweeter. So grab your flour and cookie cutters, and get ready to fill your home with that irresistible freshly-baked aroma that says “holidays are here!”

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