Joanna Gaines' Christmas Cookies: Spreading Holiday Cheer One Bite at a Time
Hello there, holiday bakers! If you're anything like us, you're already dreaming of the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home this Christmas. And who better to inspire our festive baking than the queen of home and holiday cheer herself, Joanna Gaines? Today, we're diving into her magical world of Joanna Gaines' Christmas cookies, so grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let's get baking! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and joanna gaines christmas cookies.
Why Joanna Gaines' Christmas Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Bake
Joanna Gaines, the beloved star of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" and author of the best-selling cookbook "Magnolia Table," has a way of making every holiday feel extra special. Her Christmas cookies are no exception. Here's why we think you'll love them:
- Flavor explosion: Joanna's cookies are packed with classic holiday flavors that'll transport you to a cozy winter wonderland with every bite. - Easy to make: No fancy pastry skills required! These recipes are perfect for bakers of all levels. - Adorable presentation: Joanna's cookies are as cute as they are delicious, making them perfect for gift-giving or serving at your holiday parties.
Joanna Gaines' Classic Christmas Cookies
1. Peppermint Mocha Cookies**
Who needs a fancy coffee drink when you can have these Peppermint Mocha Cookies instead?
These little bites of heaven combine the best of both worlds: the rich, chocolatey taste of a mocha and the refreshing coolness of peppermint. Plus, they're drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips - 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the cooled coffee.
- 5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- 6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 7. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
2. Sugarplum Spice Cookies**
These Sugarplum Spice Cookies are like a warm hug on a cold winter's day.
Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are perfect for sneaking a bite (or two) while decorating your Christmas tree. And bonus: your whole house will smell like a cozy Christmas market while they bake!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp salt - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg - 1/2 tsp ground cloves - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling (optional)
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- 5. If desired, place the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded dough balls into the sugar, rolling to coat. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Joanna Gaines' Festive Christmas Cookies
3. Gingerbread Men**
These classic Gingerbread Men are a must-have for your holiday cookie platter.
With their warm, spicy flavor and adorable faces, they're sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, decorating them is half the fun!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting - 1 tsp baking soda - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 tbsp ground ginger - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp ground cloves - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup molasses - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract - Royal icing or store-bought frosting, for decorating
Instructions:
- 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- 3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- 4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- 6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 7. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with royal icing or store-bought frosting.
4. Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies**
These Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and chewy.
With their vibrant color and festive flavor, they're sure to be a standout on your holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup light brown sugar - 1 large egg - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - Zest of 1 orange - 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- 4. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
- 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Joanna Gaines' Christmas Cookies: The Perfect Gift
Joanna Gaines' Christmas cookies aren't just delicious; they're also the perfect gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Here are a few ideas for packaging and presenting your festive treats:
- Mason jars: Layer cookies in a mason jar and tie a festive ribbon around the lid for a charming, rustic gift. - Tin cans: Line a tin can with plastic wrap, fill it with cookies, and cover it with a lid or a piece of fabric secured with a ribbon. - Cookie tins: Fill a vintage or new cookie tin with an assortment of Joanna Gaines' Christmas cookies for a classic gift that's sure to be appreciated.
Baking with Joanna Gaines: Tips and Tricks
Before you dive into your holiday baking marathon, here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your time in the kitchen:
- Plan ahead: Make a list of the cookies you want to bake and gather all your ingredients before you start. This will save you time and ensure you have everything you need. - Chill your dough: Chilling your dough for at least an hour (or even overnight) can help prevent your cookies from spreading too much and losing their shape while baking. - Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will help prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. - Rotate your baking sheets: Halfway through the baking time, rotate your baking sheets from front to back and top to bottom to ensure even baking. - Let your cookies cool: Be patient and let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help prevent them from falling apart.