As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a whirlwind of joy and delicious aromas. The sight of festive treats brings a sense of cheer, but this year, I wanted to create something truly special that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. That’s when I conjured up the brilliant idea of Twisted Christmas Cookies.
Imagine the enchanting scent of vanilla mingling with the vibrant splash of red from the gel food coloring. These cookies not only captivate the eye but also serenade your taste buds with their buttery richness and hint of almond. What makes them even more appealing is their playful, twisted shape, turning ordinary baking into a cheerful holiday activity the whole family can enjoy.
So, whether you’re gathering friends for a cozy cookie decorating party or simply aiming to brighten your afternoon, these Twisted Christmas Cookies are the answer. Let’s roll up our sleeves and create something magical this season!
Why You'll Love This Twisted Christmas Cookies
- This Twisted Christmas Cookies recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- The delightful flavor combination of buttery sweetness and a hint of almond will leave everyone wanting more.
- Not only are these cookies visually stunning with their vibrant twist of red and white, but they also make for a fun family activity during the holidays.
- In just a little over an hour, you can have a batch of festive cookies ready to spread some cheer, making it a time-saving treat that’s sure to please any crowd.
- This recipe is truly the perfect blend of simplicity and fun, bringing joy to your holiday baking.
Twisted Christmas Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to create some festive magic!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226g); make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g); this adds the perfect sweetness to your cookies.
• Large egg – 1; it helps bind everything together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; this classic flavor is a must for holiday treats.
• Almond extract – 1/2 teaspoon (optional); for a delightful twist and extra flavor depth.
• All-purpose flour – 2 1/2 cups (315g); this is the foundation of your Twisted Christmas Cookies.
• Baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon; ensures your cookies have that lovely lift.
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon; just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
For the Color & Decor
• Red gel food coloring – the vibrant hue that transforms your cookies into holiday wonders!
• Powdered sugar – for dusting on top; it creates a snowy finish perfect for the season.
• Holiday sprinkles – add some extra cheer with colorful decorations.
• Edible glitter – because every holiday cookie deserves a little sparkle!
How to Make Twisted Christmas Cookies
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Cream Together
Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. This aeration will give your cookies a delightful texture. -
Incorporate the Egg & Flavor
Next, mix in the large egg, along with the vanilla and optional almond extracts. Stir until everything is combined, allowing those lovely flavors to meld together. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the dough. -
Split and Chill
Now, divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and color the other half with red gel food coloring. Wrap both portions in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps them firm up for rolling. -
Preheat the Oven
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and perfectly when they’re ready to go in. -
Roll and Twist
Take 1 teaspoon of plain dough and 1 teaspoon of red dough. Roll both into 5-inch ropes, then gently twist them together into fun shapes. Let your creativity shine here! -
Bake
Arrange your twisted cookies on lined baking sheets, making sure they have some space between them. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until they are just set but not browned, which keeps them soft and chewy. -
Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with festive decorations for a cheerful touch.
Optional: Add edible glitter to enhance the festive look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Twisted Christmas Cookies?
The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, inviting delightful moments to gather around joyous treats.
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Hot Cocoa: This rich and creamy drink perfectly complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing. Imagine a warm cup of cocoa swirling with marshmallows beside your festive treats; blissful comfort for chilly evenings.
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Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating nostalgia with every delightful bite. Whether enjoyed by kids or adults, this combination brings back cherished holiday memories.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: Brighten your cookie spread with a mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples. Their freshness cuts through the richness of the cookies, adding a vibrant touch to your festive table.
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Gingerbread Men: Continue the holiday spirit with these spiced cookies. Their flavors harmonize beautifully with the Twisted Christmas Cookies, making for a delightful cookie platter that guests will love.
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Decorative Cookie Boxes: Package some of your cookies with assorted holiday treats for gifting. It adds a personal touch to your holiday cheer and makes your efforts even more special.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Nothing says holiday cheer like a warm cup of this seasonal drink. The spices in the cider enhance the flavors of the cookies while creating a comforting, inviting atmosphere.
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Nutty Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies offer a crunchy contrast to the chewy Twisted Christmas Cookies and their nutty flavor makes them a wholesome addition to your festive cookie tray.
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Holiday Spritz Cookies: For a variety of textures and flavors, add these light and buttery cookies to your holiday baking lineup. Their quaint shapes and festive colors can make for an inviting display.
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Pumpkin Pie: An unexpected yet delightful option, this creamy, spiced pie provides a lovely contrast to your cookies while embracing the holiday spirit.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Rich, sweet, and buttery, these goodies offer a fabulous texture contrast to the soft Twisted Christmas Cookies, ensuring no sweet tooth goes unsatisfied at your holiday gathering.
How to Store and Freeze Twisted Christmas Cookies
Fridge: Keep your Twisted Christmas Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness while providing a cool treat.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours. Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Gift-ready Storage: Consider wrapping them in festive packaging to share the joy! Just make sure to include parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Twisted Christmas Cookies Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies, making them a unique holiday treat!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to cater to gluten-sensitive friends.
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Nut-Free: Omit almond extract completely, or replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla for a nut-free alternative that’s equally delicious.
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Colorful Twists: Experiment with different gel food colorings to create fun, festive combinations like green and red or blue and white.
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Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that feels like a hug.
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Chocolate Chip Extravaganza: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an irresistible chocolatey surprise in every twist.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough for a zesty twist that brightens each cookie with a refreshing taste.
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Peppermint Twist: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive holiday crunch.
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Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to bring a heartier texture while still being a delightful treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Twisted Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients, divide, and color as instructed, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This chilling step is crucial to maintain the cookies’ chewy texture, preventing them from spreading too much during baking. When you’re ready to bake, take the dough out, twist and shape them as desired, and bake as per the recipe instructions. This way, you can enjoy delicious, freshly baked cookies while saving time for holiday festivities!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For your Twisted Christmas Cookies, ensure your butter is adequately softened for easy creaming with the sugar, as this is key to achieving the desired texture.
- When mixing your dough, be careful not to overwork it after adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
- If you find that your red dough is too sticky to roll, consider adding a touch more flour to help with the handling.
- Always bake your cookies at the recommended temperature of 350°F to ensure they set properly without browning too much, which helps retain their chewy consistency.
Twisted Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my butter is softened correctly?
Absolutely! The butter should be soft enough to create an imprint when pressed with your finger, but it shouldn’t be melted. If it’s too cold, try leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or even microwaving it for 5 seconds to soften it just right.
How should I store my Twisted Christmas Cookies?
Very! For optimal freshness, keep your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their delightful texture and taste. If you’re planning to enjoy them later, store them between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Twisted Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay the cookies out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour, until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they will last for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours when you’re ready to enjoy!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky to roll?
If your dough feels overly sticky while trying to roll it, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on your working surface and on the dough as needed. You can also refrigerate the dough for an additional 10-20 minutes, which will help it firm up and make it easier to work with.
Can I use a different flavor instead of almond extract?
Of course! If almond isn’t your style or you’re accommodating allergies, you can substitute it with another extract like coconut or simply skip it altogether. Vanilla alone will still yield delightful cookies, keeping the flavor profile festive without the almond.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
Very! It’s best to keep these cookies away from your furry friends. The sugar and certain extracts (like almond) can be harmful to pets. So, enjoy them yourself or share them with your loved ones, but make sure to keep them out of reach of your pets!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Plastic Wrap
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond extract optional
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
For the Color & Decor
- Red gel food coloring for coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
- Edible glitter for sparkle
Instructions
How to Make Twisted Christmas Cookies
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Divide the dough in half; color one half with red gel food coloring and chill both for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll 1 teaspoon each of plain and red dough into 5-inch ropes and twist them together.
- Bake on lined baking sheets for 8–10 minutes until just set.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar or decorate with festive items.
