Quick Christmas Cookies

The holiday season brings with it the perfect chance to whip up some delicious treats, and these Quick Christmas Cookies are just what you need. With their delightful combination of buttery goodness, rich chocolate, and crunchy hazelnuts, these cookies are sure to become a festive favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies will add a sweet touch to your celebrations. Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe!

What You’ll Need for Quick Christmas Cookies

To create your own batch of these tasty cookies, gather the following ingredients:

150 g softened butter (about 2/3 cup)
125 g granulated sugar (about 2/3 cup)
8 g vanilla sugar (1 packet or about 2 teaspoons)
A pinch of salt
60 ml vegetable oil (about 1/4 cup)
1 egg
100 g almond flour (or finely ground almonds) (about 1 cup)
400 g all-purpose flour (about 3 1/4 cups)
5 g baking powder (1 scant teaspoon)
200 g chocolate (dark or cooking chocolate) (about 7 oz)
40 g chopped hazelnuts (about 1/3 cup)

Step-by-Step Quick Christmas Cookies Recipe

Follow these simple directions to make your cookies:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix until well combined.
Crack the egg into the bowl and continue mixing until it’s fully incorporated.
Sprinkle in the almond flour and stir to combine well.
Sift the all-purpose flour together with the baking powder, then add them to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined, then knead by hand quickly until you have a smooth, non-sticky dough.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a thin log (about one inch thick).
Cut the logs into smaller pieces (about 2-3 cm, or 1 inch, long) using a sharp knife.
Arrange the pieces on your prepared baking trays, leaving small spaces between them as they will puff up a bit during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
For the glaze, melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Stir in the chopped hazelnuts.
Dip the cooled cookies into the melted chocolate (halfway), then place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to set.

How to Serve Quick Christmas Cookies

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in many ways! Serve them fresh from the oven for a warm, satisfying treat, or package them nicely in a festive tin for gift-giving. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday dessert table. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or some herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. Your family and friends will love the tender texture and the rich chocolatey flavor!

Recipe Tips & Variations

Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of hazelnuts, feel free to swap them for other nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate. You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat or white chocolate for a unique twist.
Add Spices: For a festive touch, incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. This will give your cookies a warm, holiday flavor.

Quick Christmas Cookies FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last about a week, but we doubt they’ll last that long!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked logs of dough. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Baking these Quick Christmas Cookies is an enjoyable activity that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Plus, they make a charming gift that friends and family will adore! So, gather your ingredients, and start baking these delightful cookies today!