That's Creative: Easy Holiday Cookies
Ranked #2,155 in Food, #52,263 overall | Donates to Ecotrust, Save the Children
Impress Your Family with Great Cookies This Holiday!
By adding a few easy embellishments to simple sugar cookies, you can tempt your family and friends with delicious and festive treats that they'll ask for year after year. You won't need to be a pastry chef or use expensive ingredients to please a crowd this holiday.
That's Creative will show you how to make variations of sugar cookies that you can serve at parties or give as gifts. These recipes are so easy and fun to do, they're perfect for an afternoon of baking with kids! Let them decorate to their hearts' content!
Basic Sugar Cookie Dough
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preparation:
1) Combine the flour, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl.
2) In a large bowl, combine the sugar and butter, beating until smooth.
3) Add the eggs one at a time, and the vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4) Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, making four additions and mixing well.
5) Cover and refrigerate in the bowl for 2-4 hours.
Really Basic Sugar Cookie Dough
Krusteaz Holiday Christmas Cookies Sugar Cookie Kit
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
This holiday cookie kit comes with instant cookie dough mix - all you need to do is add water and stir. It also includes sprinkles, icing mix, and cookie cutters. You'll have dozens of delicous holiday cookies in no time!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Snowball Cookies
You Will Need:One batch of basic cookie dough (chilled)
About 2 cups of coconut flakes
Preparation
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2) Place the coconut flakes into a bowl or pie plate.
3) Break off teaspoon sized drops of dough, and roll them into balls.
4) Gently roll the cookie balls in the coconut, coating evenly.
5) Place the cookies on a non-stick baking sheet, and gently press them with the back of a glass so that the tops are flat.
6) Bake six to eight cookies at a time on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7) Place the cookies on waxed paper or cooling racks and allow to cool before eating or storing.
Variations:
Instead of coconut, roll the cookie balls in one of these toppings:
- Granulated sugar
- Sugar crystal sprinkles
- Red or Green Jell-o powder
You can also make mixed toppings:
- Combine equal parts Jell-o powder and coconut
- Combine equal parts sugar and cinnamon with a dash of ground cloves
Try making a variety of coated cookies for a colorful treat platter.
Baker's Secrets
The secret to great baked goods is having great tools in your kitchen.
Baker's Secret Basics Nonstick Medium Cookie Pan
A non-stick pan is great for making perfect cookies every time.
Amazon Price: $9.88 (as of 07/10/2009)
Baker's Secret 10-by-16-Inch Nonstick Cooling Rack, Set of 2
Cooling racks are a great alternative to waxed paper, because you can re-use them again and again.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Baker's Secret Mini Christmas Tree Holiday Pan
If baking cookies leaves you wanting even more, make some mini Christmas tree cakes, too!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Tasty Middles
You Will Need:One batch of basic cookie dough (chilled)
Any of the following toppings:
M&M Peanuts
Hershey Kisses
Butter mints
Glacee Cherries, halved
Whole pecans or almonds
Preparation:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2) Break off teaspoon sized drops of dough and roll them into balls.
3) Place the cookie balls on a non-stick baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
4) Press one candy or other topping into the middle of each cookie.
5) Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6) Transfer baked cookies to a cooling rack or waxed paper and allow to cool before serving.
Tasty Toppings
Hershey's Kisses Holiday Edition 32 ounce bag
Use your leftover Kisses to stuff stockings or fill a holiday gift basket.
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
M&M's Happy Holidays Mix - 56oz
Holiday candies let you make festive colored cookies without any leftovers!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Sticky Gems
You Will Need:One batch of basic cookie dough (chilled)
About 3/4 cup of orange or pineapple marmalade
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 whole cloves
Preparation:
1) Mix the marmalade, cinnamon and cloves in a container. Cover and refrigerate for one day.
2) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the cloves from the jam mixture.
3) Break off teaspoon sized pieces of dough and roll into balls.
4) Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on a non-stick baking sheet.
5) Using your thumb, press small indentations into the center of each cookie ball.
6) Fill the cookies with marmalade.
7) Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8) Transfer baked cookies to racks to cool.
Variations:
Instead of citrus filling, mix your favorite berry jam with 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup.
Top the cookies with shredded coconut or sugar sprinkles.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cookies
Cookie Bible
Everything you ever wanted to know about cookies!
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Cookies (Companys Coming No 9) (Companys Coming No 9)
Comany's Coming books are a must have for any home cooking and baking.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $13.25 (as of 07/10/2009)
Cookie Sensations: Creative Designs for Every Occasion
You'll never be stuck for decorating ideas with this great guide!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/10/2009)
Christmas Cookies from the Whimsical Bakehouse
A delicious collection of holiday themed cookies.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 07/10/2009)
Rose's Christmas Cookies
Classic recipes for a variety of holiday tastes.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $22.76 (as of 07/10/2009)
Frosted Cookies
One batch of basic cookie dough (chilled)
1 cup of softened butter
5 cups of icing sugar
1/3 cup of milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preparation:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly flour a clean counter top and rolling pin.
2) Gather the cookie dough into a ball and roll out to 1/4 inch thickness.
3) Cut out shapes using floured cookie cutters, and arrange them on a non-stick baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
If you're using different sized cookie cutters, only bake similar sized shapes together.
4) Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes.
5) Transfer baked cookies to racks to cool.
6) In a large bowl, beat the butter until it is fluffy.
7) Continue mixing, and add the icing sugar and milk, alternating between additions. Make 4 additions of sugar and 3 milk. Beat in the vanilla until well blended.
8) Spread the frosting onto the cookie tops using a spatula or the back of a butter knife.
9) Allow the frosting to set before packing up the cookies. Store them in an air-tight container with waxed paper between each layer.
Variations:
Add food coloring to the frosting for colored cookies.
When the frosting is still moist, top the cookies with sprinkles or small candies.
Transfer the frosting to piping bags and draw festive shapes on the cookies. If you don't have a piping bag, simply snip one corner from a zipper lock sandwich bag. Place the frosting in the bag and seal it closed. Squeeze the bag from the top to express frosting.
Tools and Toppings
Wilton Red Cookie Scoop
This easy to use cookie dough scoop allows you to make uniform drops every time. The cup holds about one tablespoon of dough, and dispenses easily.
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Amco 8-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
This sturdy mixing bowl features an easy to grip lip, deep sides for less sloshing, and is dishwasher safe.
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Wilton 6 Color Christmas Sprinkle Mix
For perfect frosted cookies, cupcakes and more, this selection of festive candy sprinkles makes any baking more magical.
Amazon Price: $6.71 (as of 07/10/2009)
Wilton 12 Piece Icing Color Set
This certified kosher food coloring kit allows you to make your icing any color of the rainbow! Great for decorating cakes, cupcakes and of course, Christmas cookies!
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Jewel Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped glacee cherries
zest of one orange
Preparation:
1) Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
2) In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg until smooth. Beat in the vinegar and vanilla.
3) Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
4) Fold in the coconut, cherries and orange zest.
5) Cover the dough and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
6) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
7) Pinch off teaspoon sized pieces of dough. Roll into balls and place about 2 inches apart on non-stick baking sheets.
8) Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
9) Cool before serving or storing.
Cookie Houses
If your delicious cookie creations last long enough to be stored, they'll feel right at home in these festive jars!
Spode Christmas Tree Cookie Jar
This beautiful stoneware cookie jar features the well known Spode Christmas tree.
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Snowman Cookie Jar
This ceramic cookie jar is dishwasher and microwave safe.
Amazon Price: $27.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
The Ultimate Cookie Topping
Every family has a favorite way to top cookies, cupcakes and other baked treats. Which topping is part of your holiday traditions?
Holiday Entertaining
If you're entertaining for a crowd this holiday season, impress your guests with great treats, games, activities and more!-
Recycle It! Greeting Cards
-
Everyone loves to receive postcards, and greeting cards for special occasions. They're simple, thoughtful, and beautiful - especially Christmas and holiday cards. They're so memorable and nice, that many people hold on to their greeting cards for yea...
-
Gingerbread
-
There is just so much to love about gingerbread. Whether as a yummy treat or a festive decoration, gingerbread and Christmas seem to go hand in hand. My family has many traditions associated with gingerbread, and we have more than a few gingerbread-t...
-
Top Ten Tabletop Games
-
Entertain your family this summer with some classic board games and tabletop games! If you're planning a party or gathering, or just want to spend some quality time with special people, tabletop games are just the thing. Whether you're entertaining...
-
Top Ten Christmas Movies
-
One of the most wonderful things about the Christmas season is sharing traditions with friends and family members. Though there are thousands of different ways to make the holidays special, many families always make time for some classic Christmas fi...
-
Beading Tutorials: Christmas Projects
-
If you enjoy creating your own custom holiday decorations, jewelry or accessories, then Christmas Beading is for you. Using beads in a few classic Holiday colors, anyone can create unique and beautiful items that will be the envy of everyone at the...
Christmas Cookie Cutters
No matter what the occasion, you can set the mood and delight your friends and family with some fun shaped cookies!
Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter - 4"
Amazon Price: $0.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Wilton Comfort Grip Christmas Tree Cookie Cutter
Amazon Price: $3.15 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Wilton Comfort Grip Star Cutter
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Christmas Sets
Wilton Metal Cookie Cutter Set of 18
Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Kaiser Bakeware Patisserie 9-Piece Christmas Cookie Cutter Set with Storage Ring
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Wilton Holiday Cookie Cutter Set of 9
Amazon Price: $10.07 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Wilton Holiday Metal Cutter Set of 3
Amazon Price: $4.27 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Sculpture Cookie Shapers
Fox Run Ten Piece Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Bake Set
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Fun Cookie Cutters
Roshco 100-Piece Plastic Cookie Cutter Set
Amazon Price: $10.56 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Harold's Kitchen Leaf Cookie Cutter Set
Amazon Price: $7.49 (as of 07/10/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Animal Cookies: A Cookbook and Cookie Cutter Set
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Comments
Membership not required
What's your favorite holiday cookie?
Please feel free to leave feedback about That's Creative, and don't forget to rate Easy Cookies.
If you're not already a Squidoo member, join today! You can review and rate pages like these, or create your own lens!
Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
Your lens is delicious! I really like the way you have them organized with theme words on your main page. That makes sorting through your list and finding what you are looking for sooo easy!
Brenda
Posted January 21, 2009
1Penny2 wrote...
Your Christmas cookies look so much better than mine.
Great lens
Bj
Posted December 01, 2008
Pastiche wrote...
Sugar cookies are so versatile - I like to bake and decorate them for Valentine's Day, too.
Posted November 28, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
I like to make rum balls and sugar cookies. Can't wait for a rainy day to do some baking. Welcome to Culinary Favorites From A to Z.
Posted November 18, 2008
Images used on this page are available from:
Frame your posters and prints!
Clip art for this page was provided by: stargazer00
Did you enjoy this lens? Share it with a friend!
Email It
Tweet It
Digg It
Stumble It
Return to Recipes:
It's All About the Kids!
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us
by Mortira
Contact Me
More Pages by Me
M... (more)
