Gemma’s Bold Baking Tips for the Holidays bring festive flavors to life in just 40 minutes. With a perfect balance of crunchy textures and rich, indulgent tastes, this recipe is a holiday game-changer. The prep and cook times are quick, making it ideal for busy days when you still want to impress. Each bite delivers a symphony of warmth and sweetness, leaving your kitchen smelling like a cozy winter wonderland.
This recipe is designed to elevate your holiday baking with its bold and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, the straightforward steps ensure success every time. In under an hour, you’ll create treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to savor. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these baked goods will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients for Gemma’s Bold Baking Tips for the Holidays
- ¾ lb (12 oz) butter, at room temperature (softened for easy mixing)
- 1 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling (granulated sugar works best)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or substitute with almond extract for a twist)
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a smoother dough)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or table salt)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- In an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and pale in color (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 60 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, roll the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet, leaving space between each for even baking.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Creative Cookie Toppings and Decorations
Take your holiday cookies to the next level with fun and festive toppings! After baking, sprinkle the cookies with *colored sugar* or *edible glitter* for a sparkly touch. For a richer flavor, drizzle melted *dark or white chocolate* over the cooled cookies. You can also use *royal icing* to create intricate designs or add *sprinkles* for a pop of color. Let your creativity shine!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These buttery cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of *hot cocoa* or *spiced tea* for a cozy holiday treat. For a festive dessert platter, serve them alongside *gingerbread cookies* or *shortbread squares*. If you’re feeling fancy, add a dollop of *whipped cream* or a scoop of *vanilla ice cream* for an indulgent twist. They’re also great as edible gifts—wrap them in a pretty box or tin!
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an *airtight container* at room temperature for up to *2 weeks*. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the *unbaked dough* for up to *3 months*—just thaw it in the fridge before rolling and cutting. Baked cookies can also be frozen in a *ziplock bag* for up to *1 month*. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use a *food processor* to mix the dough quickly instead of an electric mixer. To skip the rolling and cutting, shape the dough into a log, chill it, and slice it into rounds for *slice-and-bake cookies*. You can also bake the cookies in batches while prepping other holiday dishes. These small adjustments can save you time without sacrificing flavor!
Common Questions Answered
Wondering if you can use *margarine* instead of butter? Stick to butter for the best flavor and texture. If your dough is too crumbly, add a *teaspoon of cold water* to help it come together. For softer cookies, bake them for *16-18 minutes* instead of 20. And yes, you can use *cookie stamps* instead of cutters for a unique design—just dust them with flour to prevent sticking!
Gemma’s Bold Baking Tips for the Holidays
Ingredients
- ¾ lb butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350oF (180oC).
- In an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the room temperature butter and sugar until they are light and pale in color.
- Add the vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
- Dump onto a surface dusted with flour and shape into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 60 minutes.
- Roll the dough ½-inch thick and cut using cutters.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges begin to brown lightly. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
