Christmas Cookie Box Festive Recipes

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with our spectacular 2024 Christmas Cookie Box! This collection features a trio of irresistible treats, perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging yourself. Dive into the festive spirit and create a stunning assortment of homemade delights that will make your holiday season extra sweet.

Ingredients

• — For Classic Butter Shortbread —
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• — For Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles —
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for rolling)
• — For Spiced Orange Glazed Gingerbread Stars —
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• — For Orange Glaze —
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. — Classic Butter Shortbread —
2. 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. 4. Press the dough evenly into an 8×8 inch square baking pan or roll out to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Prick the top of the dough with a fork.
6. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. While warm, cut into fingers or squares. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
7. — Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles —
8. 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
9. 2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
10. 3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
11. 4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl.
12. 5. Scoop dough by the tablespoon, roll into balls, then generously roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar to coat completely.
13. 6. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will be soft when they come out but will firm up as they cool. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
14. — Spiced Orange Glazed Gingerbread Stars —
15. 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
16. 2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then molasses, until well combined.
17. 3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
18. 4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
19. 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Reroll scraps as needed.
20. 6. Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
21. 7. For the glaze: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth. If too thick, add more juice; if too thin, add more sugar.
22. 8. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread glaze over each gingerbread star. Let the glaze set before boxing.