Delicious Christmas Cookie Platters & Boxes
created by Christmas Cookies Hub, updated on Oct 29, 2025
Creating a stunning Christmas cookie platter or box is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. Imagine a beautiful array of classic holiday cookies, each one crafted with love and care, ready to bring joy to family gatherings and festive celebrations. These cookie platters are perfect for sharing with friends and family, showcasing your holiday baking favorites, and even gifting to neighbors. With this recipe, you'll learn how to make a versatile dough that can be transformed into various festive shapes and decorated to your heart's content.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Sprinkles for decoration
- Optional: chocolate chips
- Optional: nuts or dried fruit
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- If desired, fold in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- While cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract to make icing.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.
- Arrange cookies on platters or in boxes for gifting.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra festive touch, use colored icing and themed sprinkles that match your holiday decor.
- Experiment with different cookie shapes to create a visually appealing platter.
- Consider adding a variety of flavors, such as peppermint extract or citrus zest, to the dough for a unique twist.
- For easy gifting, use decorative boxes or tins to present your cookies beautifully.
- Make a double batch and freeze some cookies for last-minute treats and gifts!
FAQ
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
- How do I store leftover cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Absolutely! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the same results.
- What are some other decorations I can use? Consider using edible glitter, chocolate drizzle, or dried fruit for an elegant touch.
- How can I make my cookies more flavorful? Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Conclusion
Making Christmas cookie platters and boxes is a fun and creative way to spread holiday cheer. With this recipe, you can enjoy classic holiday cookies that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don't forget to let your creativity shine through the decorations, making each cookie unique and special. Happy baking!