There’s something utterly magical about the scent of holiday baking wafting through the air, mingling with crisp winter breezes. One Christmas, a dear friend gifted me a seemingly simple recipe titled “Pin on Christmas Dessert.” I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but that first bite transported me to a cozy, sugar-dusted wonderland! Imagine tender, pillowy bites that melt in your mouth, infused with warm spices and sweet nostalgia—what’s not to love? From the moment they came out of the oven, their aroma filled my kitchen with a comforting hug. Since then, they’ve become a cherished dessert on our holiday table, forging memories shared over laughter and joy. I can bet that once you try these delightful treats, they’ll find a permanent spot in your heart—or maybe even become your new Christmas tradition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings; this dessert whips up in a flash.
- Flavorful: A delightful blend of spices and sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults alike, these treats will leave everyone smiling.
- Versatile: Ideal for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or cozily enjoying at home—who could resist?
- Holiday Spirit: Infuses your kitchen with delightful, festive aromas that bring warmth to the winter chill.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of this dessert; use a good quality flour for the fluffiest result.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! Feel free to use brown sugar for a little extra depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This will lend richness and moistness—no need to skimp!
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together. It’s your magic glue!
- 1 tsp baking powder: For that fluffy, tender texture—your dessert deserves the best rise.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds that homey, sweet aroma that feels like a warm hug!
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The quintessential holiday spice; it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it!
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl—it’s time to bring everything together! The anticipation begins as you see your baking space start to take shape.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In your bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It should look pale and inviting! This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Enjoy the rich, buttery aroma as you whisk away!
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the bowl, followed by the vanilla extract. Whip it all together until it’s well combined—don’t you just love that beautiful golden hue?
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The scent of your spices wafting up will make you feel like a holiday elf busy in your workshop!
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold to incorporate; take care not to overmix, or you might lose that tender texture. You’re almost there!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
With a cookie scoop or spoon, dollop the batter onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them out about two inches apart. The batter is heavenly and soft—just wait until you taste these warm from the oven! Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here—this is where the anticipation builds!
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and butter at room temperature helps to create a more homogenous batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter just until combined to keep those lovely, fluffy textures.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes will enhance flavors and make shaping easier.
- Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies—they will look soft when they’re done; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger to amp up the festive flavors.
- Citrus Twist: Zest of an orange or lemon can bring brightness to your dessert.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these warm delights with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Perhaps enjoy them alongside a steaming cup of cocoa or spiced chai tea—heavenly!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Once baked, these treats will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!
Leftovers
Transform leftovers into a delicious bread pudding! Just crumble them up, mix with some milk, eggs, and spices, and pop it in the oven for a cozy breakfast or dessert!
Freezing
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies or even the dough. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months—just defrost them in the fridge before baking or enjoying.
Reheating
For maximum softness, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer crispier edges, toss them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! A one-to-one gluten-free flour blend should do the trick without compromising flavor.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter spread.
What’s the texture supposed to be like?
These treats should be soft and tender on the inside, with a slightly crisp outside—just the way holiday cookies should be!
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just keep an eye on your baking time as larger batches might require a few extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
Ah, friends, there’s truly nothing like gathering around a table in the cozy comfort of your home with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Pin on Christmas Dessert. As you whip up this recipe, let the spirit of the holidays fill your heart and kitchen. Embrace the joy, celebrate the moments, and don’t forget to share a cookie or two with loved ones! Wishing you all a warm, tasty holiday season filled with laughter, love, and plenty of yummy treats. Happy baking!
With cozy hugs,
Chef Caroline
TasteItRecipes.com
Pin on Christmas Dessert
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Use a good quality flour for the fluffiest result.
- 1/2 cup sugar Feel free to use brown sugar for a little extra depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened This will lend richness and moistness.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tsp baking powder For fluffy, tender texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds that homey, sweet aroma.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon The quintessential holiday spice.
- 1 pinch salt Balances the sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mixing bowl.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to combine without overmixing.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, dollop the batter onto a lined baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic.
- Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.