Christmas Drop Cookies 4 Ways

This Christmas Drop Cookies 4 ways recipe is designed to bring a little magic into your kitchen during the holiday season. Whether you’re hanging out with family, inviting friends over, or preparing for cookie exchanges, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Each dough forms the base of four delightful variations, making them perfect for placing on cookie trays or gifting to loved ones. This recipe doesn’t require any chilling time, which is fantastic news for anyone jamming to fit in holiday baking amidst all the festive hustle and bustle. Let’s get ready to fill your kitchen with aromas of baked cookies and create cherished memories over a mixing bowl. After all, who doesn’t love the warmth of freshly baked cookies during the holidays?

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Why This Recipe Works

This Christmas Drop Cookies recipe stands out because it offers the convenience of one simple dough transformed into four delightful variations. With a perfect blend of flavors and textures, these cookies are a holiday crowd-pleaser that requires no chilling time—a true gift for busy bakers during the festive season.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Drop Cookies 4 Ways

You’ll adore the versatility! From M&M cookies that add a splash of color, to the indulgent Hershey’s Kiss blossom variety, and vibrant sprinkle cookies to sugar-coated delights, each version provides a unique taste experience. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make, making them ideal for family baking days or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (339g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cup (300g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups (492g) all-purpose flour
• M&Ms (for M&M Cookies)
• Colored sugar (for Sugar Coated Cookies)
• Hershey’s Kisses (for Blossom Cookies)
• Sprinkles (for Sprinkle Cookies)

How to Make the Perfect Christmas Drop Cookies

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s always a good idea to prepare beforehand, so line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. A stand mixer with the paddle attachment works wonders, but a hand mixer will do the job just fine. This should take about one minute of mixing.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Give it a good mix until everything is smooth and well combined. You’re on the right track!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. It’s important not to skip this step as it helps achieve the perfect texture. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, followed by adding the all-purpose flour. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms.

Baking Tips

A helpful baking tip for perfect cookies: remove them from the oven just as they begin to turn golden and the tops are no longer glossy to achieve the best texture. Avoid overbaking to ensure a chewy consistency!

M&M Cookies Variation

Scoop and Shape

For the M&M cookies, scoop out approximately 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them about 3 inches apart on your prepared cookie sheet.

Add M&Ms

Now comes the fun part! Top each cookie with 5-7 M&Ms. Feel free to use any color and flavor you love. This is your chance to get creative!

Bake M&M Cookies

Pop those cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms are lightly golden.

Sugar Coated Cookies Variation

Scoop and Roll

For these festive cookies, scoop out 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each ball in colored sugar until they’re well coated—this adds a delightful sparkle!

Bake Sugar Coated Cookies

Place your sugar-coated balls of dough onto the cookie sheet, keeping them 3 inches apart. Bake for about 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms just start to turn golden.

Blossom Cookies Variation

Scoop and Shape

To make blossom cookies, scoop 1 tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Make sure to arrange them about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.

Bake Blossom Cookies

Bake these cookies for 7-9 minutes. Watch closely until the bottoms start getting golden.

Add Hershey’s Kisses

Here’s the highlight! While the cookies are still hot, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center of each cookie. Let them cool before transferring to a wire rack.

Sprinkle Cookies Variation

Add Sprinkles

For the last variation, incorporate 1 cup of sprinkles into your cookie dough mixture. Mix well, making sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed.

Scoop and Roll

Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll each one in sugar, and place them about 3 inches apart on the cookie sheet.

Bake Sprinkle Cookies

Bake for the same time, about 9-11 minutes, until the bottoms are just starting to turn golden.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Drop Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply as a delightful treat enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra festive dessert that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened properly for easy mixing.
• Don’t overcrowd cookie sheets to guarantee even baking.
• Get adventurous with mix-ins or toppings to customize your cookie experience.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up! Replace M&Ms with chocolate chips, switch to flavored sprinkles, or even add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm-spiced flavor twist. The base cookie dough is adaptable to whatever you like best!

Storage Tips

Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookie dough for convenience—just thaw and bake them whenever cravings hit!

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Although you can substitute margarine, unsalted butter really provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies.

2. How do I store baked cookies?
For optimal freshness, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
You absolutely can! Just scoop it into portions and place them in a freezer-safe bag for when you’re ready to bake.

4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored correctly, these cookies will last about a week.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

With this easy and versatile Christmas Drop Cookies recipe, you’ll bake festive magic in your kitchen. Enjoy the season of sharing joy and delicious treats with every delightful bite. Get ready to create lasting memories with these four scrumptious cookie variations that will fill your home with warmth and love this holiday season!

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