Are you struggling to come up with ideas for your teen’s Christmas party? Look no further than these delicious and easy-to-make recipes that are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. From sweet treats to savory snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Red and green food coloring
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in flour until dough forms.
- Divide dough into two equal portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Knead until color is evenly distributed.
- Roll each portion into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove dough from fridge and slice into cookies. Place on a lined baking sheet and decorate with sprinkles.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 8g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions:
These colorful cookies are perfect for any Christmas party or holiday gathering. Serve them on a festive platter or package them up in cute gift boxes to give to friends and family.
Variations:
Experiment with different food coloring combinations to create unique designs and patterns. You can also swap out the sprinkles for crushed candy canes or other festive toppings.
Substitutions:
- Replace butter with margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a healthier alternative.
Storage:
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Use gel food coloring for brighter and more vibrant colors.
- Chilling the dough before slicing into cookies will help them hold their shape better.
- For a softer texture, underbake the cookies slightly and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes:
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the dough can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking as directed.
How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Yes, but you may need to use more to achieve the desired color.
Final Thoughts:
These Christmas cookies are not only delicious, but they’re also fun and festive to make with your teen. Get creative with different colors and decorations, and enjoy this sweet treat together during the holiday season.