Get ready to sweeten your holiday season with Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies! These delightful treats combine a buttery base, rich chocolate kisses, and a touch of festive sprinkles. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, these cookies are easy to make and a joy to share. Join me as we dive into the fun process of baking these cookies, bringing magic to your Christmas celebrations!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a delightful, festive flavor that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for holiday baking sessions, even with little helpers.
- Chocolatey Surprise: Each cookie features a chocolate kiss in the center, adding a delicious surprise that everyone loves.
- Decorative Touch: The colorful sprinkles not only make these cookies visually appealing but also add extra fun to your holiday treats.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup chocolate kisses or other chocolate candies
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies shine. Each item plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Flour forms the base, while butter adds richness. The sugars bring sweetness and help create a lovely texture. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla and almond extracts add that special touch.
Chocolate kisses sit perfectly in the center, making each cookie a delight. Don’t forget the sprinkles! They add a festive look and crunch. This list ensures you have all you need to create a magical treat this holiday season.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
First, set your oven to 350°F. This temperature makes the cookies soft and chewy. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the cookies not stick and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps mix the dry ingredients evenly. Make sure to break up any lumps in the flour. It ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
- Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer if you have one. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. This process adds air to the mixture and helps the cookies rise.
Combining Wet Ingredients
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture.
Next, add one large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the fluffy mixture. Beat these in well until they are fully combined. The extracts add a nice flavor that makes these cookies special.
Forming the Cookie Dough
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients and shape dough into balls.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Then, shape the dough into small balls, about one inch wide. This step makes the cookies the perfect size for snacking.
Baking the Cookies
- Place dough balls on the baking sheet, press in chocolate kisses, and bake.
Now, place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each ball. Gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each ball. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look lightly golden. Let them cool for five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy the sweet smell as they bake!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
Using room temperature ingredients is key. When butter and eggs are at room temp, they blend better. This makes your cookies light and fluffy. Take the butter out before you start. It should feel soft but not melted.
Shaping cookie balls is simple. Use about one inch of dough for each ball. Roll them in your hands until they are smooth. This helps them bake evenly. Space them out on the baking sheet to give them room to spread.
Presentation Tips
For a great look, serve the cookies on a festive plate. You can add colorful sprinkles around the chocolate kiss. This makes them pop! Edible glitter also adds a magical touch. Just a light dusting makes the cookies sparkle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is overmixing the dough. Mix just until the flour disappears. This keeps cookies tender. Another common error is not spacing the cookies. Leave at least two inches between balls. They need space to grow during baking.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For a more defined shape and to prevent spreading, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother dough.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in different extracts, such as peppermint or orange, for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh.
Variations
Flavor Variation Ideas
You can switch up the flavors in your Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies. Try using peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a minty twist. This gives your cookies a festive and fresh taste! Another fun idea is to use white chocolate kisses instead of regular chocolate. The sweet creaminess of white chocolate makes these cookies even more delightful.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free cookies, use almond flour or coconut flour. These flours work well and keep the cookies soft. For vegan cookies, swap the butter with coconut oil. You can use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Seasonal Additions
Adding spices can make your cookies even more festive. Try mixing in cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These spices give a warm flavor that matches the holiday spirit. You can also top your cookies with colorful sprinkles. Use red and green sprinkles for a classic Christmas look. These simple touches make your cookies extra special and fun to share!
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Cookies
To keep your Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and keeps the cookies soft. Place a piece of bread in the container to add extra softness. It’s a simple trick that works wonders!
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough with ease. First, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime!
For baked cookies, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just reheat the cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their soft texture.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about one week. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from going stale. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Enjoy your cookies while they are at their best!
FAQs
How long do Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies last?
Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies last about one week when stored in an airtight container. They stay soft and tasty during this time. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and chill it for easy handling. You can also bake them a few days before your event. Just store them in a cool place.
What can I use instead of chocolate kisses?
If you want to swap chocolate kisses, use other chocolate candies. Options include caramel-filled chocolates or even peanut butter cups. These alternatives add a fun twist to the cookies.
How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?
To keep your cookies chewy, avoid overbaking them. Bake until the edges are golden while the centers still look soft. Also, use brown sugar instead of all white sugar for added moisture.
Are there any nut-free variations for this recipe?
Yes, you can make nut-free Fairy Kisses! Simply skip any nut extracts or toppings. Use vanilla extract only for flavor. Check your chocolate kisses to ensure they are nut-free, too.
This post shared a fun cookie recipe. You learned about the ingredients and steps to make Fairy Kisses Christmas Cookies. We also covered tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to store your tasty treats.
Experiment with flavors and modifications to keep the recipe fresh. Enjoy baking and sharing these cookies with family and friends. Your baking skills will shine, making sweet memories for all!
