Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies are delightful, festive treats that add a touch of holiday cheer. These buttery cookies are perfect for decorating and can be customized with your favorite holiday shapes and icing. They make wonderful gifts or sweet treats for a holiday gathering and are fun to make with family and friends.
What Are Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies?
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies are classic sugar cookies with a buttery, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to roll out, cut into shapes, and decorate with icing, making them ideal for festive occasions. These cookies are versatile, and you can add a hint of spice or citrus zest to give them a unique holiday twist.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Festive Decorating – Fun to decorate with icing and sprinkles.
- Simple, Classic Flavor – A traditional buttery cookie everyone loves.
- Great for Gifting – Ideal for homemade holiday gifts.
- Family-Friendly Recipe – Fun to make with kids and friends.
- Customizable – Add spices or flavorings to make them unique.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need for these festive Christmas cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups) – Forms the base of the cookies.
- Butter (1 cup, softened) – Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the cookies.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds flavor to the dough.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – For a hint of holiday spice.
- Orange or Lemon Zest (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle citrusy brightness.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups) – For the icing.
- Milk or Lemon Juice (2-3 tbsp) – For thinning the icing to the desired consistency.
- Food Coloring – To make colorful holiday decorations.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract (and citrus zest if using) and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Icing and Decorate
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth. Add food coloring as desired.
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to decorate them with the icing. Let the icing set before stacking or storing.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies
- Hot Chocolate – Perfect for dipping and enjoying a warm treat.
- Spiced Tea – Complements the buttery flavor of the cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso – Adds a bold contrast to the sweetness.
- Eggnog – A festive holiday pairing with a rich, creamy texture.
- Cranberry Sauce – A fruity, tangy spread that pairs surprisingly well.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Christmas Cookies
- Chill the Dough – Chilling prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking.
- Roll Evenly – Try to roll the dough to an even thickness for consistent baking.
- Avoid Overbaking – Bake until the edges are just slightly golden for soft cookies.
- Let Cookies Cool Completely Before Icing – This prevents the icing from melting or running.
- Store in a Cool Place – Once decorated, keep the cookies in a cool, dry place to prevent the icing from softening.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies
- Spiced Ginger Cookies – Add ground ginger and cinnamon for a festive twist.
- Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor.
- Almond-Flavored Cookies – Substitute almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle Cookies – Roll the dough in festive sprinkles before baking for extra color.
- Lemon or Orange Glaze – Add citrus zest and juice to the icing for a bright, fresh flavor.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies
- Room Temperature Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freeze for Longer Storage – Freeze undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw, then decorate as desired.
- Stack Carefully – Once the icing is fully set, cookies can be stacked with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies
- Serve at Room Temperature – Christmas cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and don’t require reheating.
- Microwave Option – If desired, microwave for 5-10 seconds for a slightly warm cookie.
How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies Healthier?
- Use Whole Wheat Flour – Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Reduce Sugar – Use slightly less sugar in the dough for a less sweet cookie.
- Try Greek Yogurt – Replace some butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Skip Icing – Serve plain for a lower-sugar version without the icing.
Nutrition Value (per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry’s Christmas cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookies ahead of time. Bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months, then thaw and decorate when ready.
How do I keep Christmas cookies from spreading while baking?
To prevent the cookies from spreading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. Chilling firms up the butter, helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Can I freeze decorated Christmas cookies?
Yes, decorated Christmas cookies can be frozen. Place them in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
What icing works best for decorating Christmas cookies?
Royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze works well for decorating Christmas cookies. Royal icing dries hard, making it ideal for intricate designs, while powdered sugar glaze offers a softer finish and is easier to apply.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies are a delightful, festive treat that brings joy to the holiday season. With their buttery flavor, soft texture, and endless decoration options, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or a fun family baking project. Enjoy the warmth of the holiday season with these classic Christmas cookies!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Christmas Cookies are classic sugar cookies with a buttery, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to roll out, cut into shapes, and decorate with icing, making them ideal for festive occasions. These cookies are versatile, and you can add a hint of spice or citrus zest to give them a unique holiday twist.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups) – Forms the base of the cookies.
- Butter (1 cup, softened) – Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the cookies.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds flavor to the dough.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – For a hint of holiday spice.
- Orange or Lemon Zest (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle citrusy brightness.
For the Icing
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups) – For the icing.
- Milk or Lemon Juice (2-3 tbsp) – For thinning the icing to the desired consistency.
- Food Coloring – To make colorful holiday decorations.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract (and citrus zest if using) and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Icing and Decorate
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth. Add food coloring as desired.
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to decorate them with the icing. Let the icing set before stacking or storing.
