Ah, there’s just something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The air is filled with warmth, laughter, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies. I remember as a kid, my family and I would gather in the kitchen, flour dusting our noses, as we shaped cookies into all sorts of festive designs. Each year, we’d create a stunning *Christmas cookie platter* that sparkled with colorful sprinkles and melted chocolate. It was a tradition that brought us together, and I can still hear the laughter and chatter as we decorated each cookie like it was a precious little gift. Trust me, there’s no better way to spread joy during the holidays than with a vibrant assortment of cookies that everyone can enjoy! This year, let’s make your own cookie platter that will be the star of your holiday gatherings!

Ingredients for the Christmas Cookie Platter

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting your gorgeous *Christmas cookie platter*! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and that rich, buttery flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps your cookies rise beautifully.
1/2 cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar gives your cookies that delightful chewiness and depth of flavor.
1 large egg: This will bind everything together and create a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Trust me, this adds an irresistible aroma and flavor that’s simply essential!
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little guy helps your cookies puff up just right.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt amplifies all those sweet flavors.
1 cup chocolate chips: Because what’s a cookie platter without some delicious chocolate?
1 cup assorted sprinkles: These make everything festive and fun!

With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create some holiday magic!

How to Prepare the Christmas Cookie Platter

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing your *Christmas cookie platter*! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result will be well worth the effort. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a dazzling array of cookies in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect bake!
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually whip it for about 2-3 minutes—this makes your cookies nice and airy!
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. It should smell amazing right about now!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder gets evenly distributed throughout your dough.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t rush this step—mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we definitely want them tender!
Now, gently fold in those delicious chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles. This is where the magic happens!
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—every oven is a bit different!
Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set perfectly!

That’s it! You’re just steps away from a festive cookie platter that’ll wow your friends and family!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delightful cookie from your *Christmas cookie platter*. Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose.

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

With these tasty treats, you get a little bit of everything—sweetness, creaminess, and a festive spirit all wrapped up in one cookie! Enjoy in moderation, and share the joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation—whip up a batch in just over half an hour!
Beautiful and colorful, making your *Christmas cookie platter* a showstopper at any gathering.
Crowd-pleasing flavors that everyone, from kids to adults, will adore.
Versatile base—feel free to mix in your favorite candies or nuts!
Perfect for gifting—wrap a few up for friends and family to spread the holiday cheer.

Tips for Success

To make sure your *Christmas cookie platter* turns out as delicious as you imagine, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve picked up over the years:

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This not only helps it cream better with the sugars but also creates that light texture we all love in cookies.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake! For softer cookies, pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers look a bit underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling your dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and help your cookies maintain their shape as they bake.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. It also helps your cookies bake evenly.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to play around! Add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate to suit your taste and keep things exciting!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cookie perfection, bringing smiles to everyone at your holiday gatherings!

Variations for Your Christmas Cookie Platter

One of the best things about making a *Christmas cookie platter* is how versatile it can be! You can easily switch things up to keep the flavors exciting. Here are some fun variations to try:

Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the regular chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate chips for a rich twist.
Nuts Galore: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch! Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix in well.
Fruit and Spice: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive, fruity flair.
Minty Fresh: For a refreshing twist, try adding mint chocolate chips or a few drops of peppermint extract for that classic holiday taste.
Colorful Swirls: Use different colored sprinkles or even a swirl of colored icing to make your cookie platter as vibrant as possible!

Mix and match these ideas to create a stunning and delicious array of cookies that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed your fabulous *Christmas cookie platter*, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh and delicious! Simply place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about 5 days—if they last that long! If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, just enjoy them as they are—soft and scrumptious!

FAQ about the Christmas Cookie Platter

Got questions about your *Christmas cookie platter*? No worries! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my helpful answers:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.

What if I don’t have sprinkles?
No problem! You can skip the sprinkles or substitute them with things like shredded coconut, crushed candy canes, or even chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor.

Can I use different types of flour?
You can definitely experiment! If you want a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for the best results.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because your butter was too warm or you didn’t chill the dough. Try chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes! Your *Christmas cookie platter* cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and then wrap them individually. They’ll be perfect for a last-minute holiday treat!

Christmas Cookie Platter: 7 Sweet Secrets to Joyful Baking

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A colorful assortment of festive cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Add egg and vanilla extract, mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cookies cool before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container.
You can substitute chocolate chips with dried fruit.
Adjust baking time for softer cookies.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Christmas cookie platter

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