Christmas Cookies With Jelly: A Festive Treat For The Holidays

Christmas Cookies with Jelly: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

Christmas Cookies with Jelly: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

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Christmas Cookies with Jelly: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and delicious treats. Among the many festive goodies that grace our tables, Christmas cookies hold a special place. These sweet delights come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and flavors, but one classic combination that never fails to impress is Christmas cookies with jelly.

A History of Christmas Cookies

The tradition of baking Christmas cookies dates back centuries. In medieval Europe, these treats were often used as decorations for the Christmas tree. Over time, they evolved into the delectable treats we enjoy today, becoming an indispensable part of the holiday season.

Jelly-Filled Christmas Cookies

Jelly-filled Christmas cookies are a variation on the classic sugar cookie. They consist of two soft and chewy sugar cookies sandwiched together with a layer of sweet and fruity jelly. The vibrant colors of the jelly peeking out from between the cookies create a festive and eye-catching treat.

Ingredients for Christmas Cookies with Jelly

To make Christmas cookies with jelly, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the cookies:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the jelly filling:
  • 1/2 cup your favorite fruit jelly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
8. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters of your choice.
9. Transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
10. Repeat steps 7-9 with the remaining dough.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
2. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling the Cookies:

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of jelly on the flat side of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Repeat with the remaining cookies and jelly.

Decorating the Cookies (Optional):

To add a festive touch to your Christmas cookies, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or other decorations. Here are a few ideas:

• Royal icing: Outline the cookies with white or colored royal icing and add intricate designs.
• Sprinkles: Dip the edges of the cookies in sprinkles for a colorful and festive look.
• Candy canes: Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the cookies for a sweet and minty flavor.
• Christmas sprinkles: Find Christmas-themed sprinkles in shapes such as trees, stars, and Santa Claus to add a touch of holiday cheer.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookies with Jelly

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will be.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before rolling and baking helps the cookies keep their shape.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
• Use a sharp cookie cutter: A sharp cookie cutter will give you clean and precise shapes.
• Let the cookies cool completely: This will help prevent the jelly from seeping out when you assemble the cookies.

Variations on Christmas Cookies with Jelly

The classic Christmas cookies with jelly recipe is a versatile one that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few variations:

• Use different types of jelly: Experiment with different flavors of jelly, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
• Add spices to the dough: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cookie dough for a warm and festive flavor.
• Make them gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Make them vegan: Use vegan butter and egg replacer to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Storing Christmas Cookies with Jelly

Christmas cookies with jelly can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply place the cookies on a plate at room temperature for a few hours.

Conclusion

Christmas cookies with jelly are a delicious and festive treat that is sure to bring joy to your holiday season. With their soft and chewy texture, sweet and fruity filling, and customizable decorations, these cookies are a perfect way to spread Christmas cheer. So gather your loved ones, bake a batch of these delightful treats, and create lasting memories this holiday season.

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