We’ve always adored the holiday spirit, and our Jingle Cookie Recipe captures it perfectly with its buttery crunch and festive flair. These treats originated from simple family traditions but pack a joyful punch that’s ideal for Christmas gatherings.
They’re surprisingly easy to whip up yet deliver that wow factor with customizable decorations. Join us as we share this timeless favorite that’ll make your season merry and bright.
Ingredients
For our Jingle Cookie Recipe, we select these fresh and flavorful ingredients to capture the holiday essence. We’ll list them in the order they are typically used, with prep notes for precision.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, to add sweetness and help create a light texture.
- Large eggs: 2, at room temperature to ensure even blending.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for authentic flavor depth.
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups, sifted to avoid lumps and promote even baking.
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, to provide the perfect rise.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to balance sweetness and enhance taste.
- Festive sprinkles or colored sugar: 1/2 cup, optional for decoration to add a jolly holiday touch.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients, let’s guide you through creating our irresistible Jingle Cookies step by step. We’ll ensure each stage brings out the buttery crunch and festive flavors that make these treats a holiday favorite.
Prep the Dough
To start, we’ll mix our dough for the perfect base of our Jingle Cookies. Begin by creaming 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—this takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer for that signature smooth texture. Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and enhance the cookies’ tender crumb. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic essence that evokes holiday cheer.
In the same bowl, gradually whisk in 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix, as this keeps our cookies chewy and delightful. If you’re adding festive touches, fold in optional items like sprinkles or colored sugar at this stage. Once combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up, allowing the flavors to meld and making it easier to handle.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
With our dough prepped, we’ll shape and bake our Jingle Cookies to achieve that golden, irresistible crisp. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, then use cookie cutters in holiday shapes like stars or bells to cut out the cookies—aim for 2-3 inch sizes to ensure they bake uniformly.
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown—watch closely to capture that perfect jingle-worthy crunch. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with the inviting aroma of vanilla and butter, signaling holiday magic in the making. Remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies rest on the pans for 5 minutes to set.
Cool and Decorate
Finally, we’ll cool and decorate our Jingle Cookies to add that festive sparkle. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely for about 20-30 minutes—this step is crucial to prevent decorations from melting and to lock in their butter-rich texture.
Once cooled, get creative with decoration: Use royal icing or melted chocolate to outline designs, then sprinkle on festive toppings like colored sugar or edible glitter for a joyful, eye-catching finish. For added flair, we recommend piping simple patterns with a basic icing made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract—mix until smooth and apply with a piping bag. Your finished Jingle Cookies will not only taste divine but also bring visual delight to your holiday table.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Jingle Cookie Recipe to life with ease and precision, we recommend gathering the following essential tools. These items ensure smooth preparation and baking, building on the ingredients and steps we’ve outlined earlier.
- Mixing Bowls: We need at least two medium-sized stainless steel or glass mixing bowls—one for wet ingredients and another for dry—to keep our dough organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: A handheld electric mixer or stand mixer with beaters is crucial for creaming butter and sugar quickly, achieving that perfect fluffy texture in under 5 minutes.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate stainless steel measuring cups and spoons are key for precise measurements of ingredients like flour and sugar, helping us avoid common baking mishaps.
- Baking Sheets: Two rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper allow for even baking and easy transfer of cookies, ensuring they bake uniformly without sticking.
- Rolling Pin: A non-stick rolling pin helps us roll out the dough to an even ¼-inch thickness, making it simple to cut festive shapes.
- Cookie Cutters: Festive holiday-themed cookie cutters in various sizes add a fun, personalized touch to our cookies, turning simple dough into jingle-worthy treats.
- Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack is essential for allowing cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess and preserving their buttery crunch.
- Oven: Our standard conventional or convection oven preheated to 375°F ensures consistent baking results, with a timer function to monitor the 8-10 minute bake time.
By having these tools ready, we can seamlessly transition to shaping and baking our cookies, making the process enjoyable and efficient.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we wrap up our discussion on equipment and preparation for Jingle Cookies, let’s dive into Make-Ahead Instructions that make holiday baking seamless and stress-free. These strategies allow us to prepare our festive treats in advance, ensuring they retain their buttery crunch and holiday charm for when we need them most.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We can streamline our baking process by making the dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Start by following the dough preparation steps from our earlier section—creaming the butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, then incorporating the dry ingredients. Once mixed, shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. This chilling step not only enhances the flavor development but also makes the dough easier to roll out later. For longer storage, we recommend freezing the wrapped dough for up to 2 months; simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before use.
Baking and Storing Cookies
If we want to bake ahead, prepare the cookies as outlined in the steps, shaping and cutting them after chilling the dough. Bake at 375°F until golden brown, then cool completely on a rack. Once cooled, store the undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then seal in a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours to preserve their crisp texture and festive appeal.
Decorating in Advance
For decorated Jingle Cookies, we suggest baking and cooling them first, then applying decorations like royal icing or sprinkles. If decorating ahead, allow the icing to set fully before storing. Pro tip: Use a dedicated container to avoid smudging. For make-ahead decorating, prepare iced cookies up to 2 days in advance and store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. If we’re freezing decorated cookies, wait until they are fully set, then freeze for up to 1 month—just avoid stacking to maintain their visual charm.
To help visualize storage options, here’s a quick reference table for optimal freshness:
| Storage Method | Unbaked Dough | Baked, Undecorated Cookies | Baked and Decorated Cookies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Up to 1 week | Up to 2 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Up to 3 months | Up to 1 month |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended | Up to 1 week in airtight container | Not recommended for icing |
By following these make-ahead tips, we ensure our Jingle Cookies are ready to shine at any holiday gathering, saving us time while keeping the magic of the season alive.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our Jingle Cookie Recipe and hope it’s become a highlight of your holiday baking. These treats bring families together, creating lasting memories with every bite. Let’s make this season even merrier by baking a batch—we’re confident it’ll add that perfect festive touch to your celebrations. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jingle Cookies?
Jingle Cookies are festive holiday treats with a buttery crunch, inspired by family traditions. They’re easy to make, customizable with decorations like sprinkles, and perfect for Christmas gatherings, adding a joyful touch to your celebrations.
What ingredients are needed for Jingle Cookies?
You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional festive sprinkles or colored sugar. These fresh ingredients ensure a flavorful, holiday-inspired treat that’s simple to prepare.
How do I make Jingle Cookies?
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients to form dough, chill it for better texture, roll out and cut shapes, bake at 375°F until golden, cool, and decorate with icing or toppings for a festive finish.
What equipment is required for baking Jingle Cookies?
Gather mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheets with parchment paper, a rolling pin, cookie cutters, a cooling rack, and a preheated oven. These tools make the process smooth and help achieve perfect shapes and textures.
Can I make Jingle Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare dough up to 2-3 days in advance and chill it, or freeze for longer storage. Bake cookies ahead and store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months to keep them fresh for holiday events.
How should I store Jingle Cookies?
Store unbaked dough in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for months. Baked undecorated cookies last a week in an airtight container; decorated ones should be kept in a single layer to preserve appearance. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies up to three months.
How can I customize Jingle Cookies?
Get creative by adding festive sprinkles, colored sugar, royal icing, or chocolate toppings. Shape them with various cookie cutters for fun designs, and experiment with flavors like different extracts to make them uniquely yours for holiday celebrations.