Baking cookies for your Christmas Cookie Tray has been a holiday tradition for many families for generations. Whether it's gingerbread, sugar cookies, or shortbread, the smell of freshly baked cookies in the house is enough to get everyone in the festive spirit.
With so many cookie recipes out there, it can be difficult to decide which ones to make for the annual tray with homemade Christmas Cookies. That's why we've put together a list of our top cookie recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.
From classic Italian favorites to unique and creative twists, these cookies are sure to become a new holiday tradition for your family.
Jump to:
- Tips for Planning Your Perfect Christmas Cookie Tray and Giveaways
- How to Store and Transport Your Christmas Cookies
- How to Arrange Cookies on a Christmas Cookie Tray
- Common Tools and Equipment Needed for Making Cookies
- Recipes for The Best Christmas Cookie Trays
- Desserts You'll Fall For
- PIN IT Here
- Comments
Tips for Planning Your Perfect Christmas Cookie Tray and Giveaways
After Thanksgiving, I usually start to think about what cookies I'm going to be baking for my Christmas cookie tray and my Christmas treat bags.
I love giving away Christmas cookies in treat bags whenever I can.
Planning ahead which cookies to make for my Christmas cookie tray makes it much easier for me to organize what supplies I need and schedule time to bake my Christmas cookies leading up to the holidays.
Consider the following when planning on making cookies for Christmas cookie trays:
Variety: Consider baking a variety of cookies with different shapes, colors, and flavors to make the cookie tray more visually appealing and interesting.
Quantity: Determine the number of guests and how many cookies each person is likely to eat to ensure you have enough cookies to go around.
Time: Plan ahead and allow enough time to bake and decorate the cookies. Some cookies may require chilling or resting time, so make sure you read the recipe ahead of time.
Storage: Consider the storage options for the cookies. Some cookies may need to be stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness, while others may need to be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
How to Store and Transport Your Christmas Cookies
If you have ever made cookies to add to Christmas cookie trays you want to gift, you know what it feels like to be proud of your work. The last thing you want to do is to have your hard work discarded by improper storage or wrapping.
Here are some tips on storage for your cookies, whether you are giving them away immediately or storing them to give away later.
- Cooling Racks: Allow cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before storing them. This helps to prevent moisture from building up and ruining your cookies.
- Airtight Containers: Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. You can also separate the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cookie Tins: Cookie tins are perfect for storing and transporting Christmas cookies. They come in various sizes and designs, making them a festive addition to your cookie tray.
- Plastic Wrap: You can wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. This method is especially useful for delicate cookies.
- Freezer Bags: If you need to transport cookies for a longer period, consider using freezer bags. These bags are sturdy and will protect your cookies from getting crushed.
- Decorative Boxes or Treat Bags: For an elegant touch, you can package your Christmas cookies in decorative boxes. These boxes come in various shapes and sizes and can be found at craft stores or online.
- Hand Carry: If you're traveling with cookies, consider carrying them in a hand-carry bag to prevent them from getting crushed or damaged during transit.
- Car Trunk: If you're transporting a large amount of cookies, consider using your car trunk. Place the cookies in a sturdy container and secure it to prevent it from moving around while you're driving.
How to Arrange Cookies on a Christmas Cookie Tray
When it comes to putting together a cookie tray for a special occasion or holiday, arranging the cookies can make all the difference. A well-arranged tray not only looks visually appealing, but it can also help to showcase the unique features of each type of cookie.
Proper arrangement also makes it easier to choose which cookie you want to try first and help to prevent cookies from getting crushed or damaged during transport or serving.
Here are a few tips on arranging cookies on a cookie tray.
- Group by type: Arrange cookies into groups based on their type, such as chocolate chip, sugar cookies, or gingerbread.
- Arrange by size: Place larger cookies in the center and smaller cookies around them.
- Create a color scheme: Arrange cookies in a way that creates a visually appealing color scheme.
- Use height variation: Use stands or pedestals to create height variation and add visual interest.
- Add decor: Add decorative elements, such as holiday-themed napkins or ornaments, to enhance the display.
Common Tools and Equipment Needed for Making Cookies
Baking cookies is a fun and delicious activity, but having the right equipment can make all the difference. In order to make perfect cookies every time, there are a few essential tools you'll need. First and foremost, you'll need a mixing bowl and a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together.
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients, as well as a baking sheet to place the cookies on. A cooling rack is also important to prevent the cookies from getting soggy after baking.
Finally, some recipes may call for additional equipment such as a cookie scoop, piping bag, or rolling pin. Having these basic tools on hand will ensure that you're ready to make delicious cookies whenever the craving strikes.
For arranging cookies on a cookie tray, consider having a large platter or tray, baking parchment paper. A set of small tongs or a spoon can also be helpful for picking up and placing delicate cookies, while a small knife can be used to trim any rough edges.
Having equipment ready can make the process of baking and arranging cookies much smoother and enjoyable.
Recipes for The Best Christmas Cookie Trays
It is important to grease a baking tray before baking cookies or any other baked goods because it helps prevent the baked goods from sticking to the tray, making it easier to remove them without damaging their shape or texture.
You can stop baked goods from sticking to baking trays by greasing the baking sheet. You can also line the baking sheet with parchment paper and avoid overcrowding your unbaked goods. Non stick trays are also available which prevent baked goods from sticking to the surface.
Cookie sheets or baking sheets are commonly used to bake cookies. These are flat sheets made of metal, usually aluminum or steel, with a rimmed edge to prevent cookies from sliding off the sheet. Non-stick baking sheets are also available, which have a special coating that helps prevent cookies from sticking to the surface. Silicone baking mats are an alternative to traditional baking sheets that can provide even heat distribution and prevent cookies from sticking to the surface.
Desserts You'll Fall For
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Vijitha says
Wow! This is like a one-stop for Christmas cookies - So many types to choose from, perfect for making gift boxes! I love it that you also took time to include packaging tips 🙂 Thanks a bunch for this round up!
Julia Pinney says
So many great cookies in this collection. I'm pretty sure I'd eat one of each..easy! I love the tips for packaging as well. Great Christmas round up!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
Cookie boxes with a good variety of cookies are my weakness! Here there are so many great cookies to choose from! My favorite being the Italian butter cookies dipped in chocolate! 🙂