Christmas is approaching and as the holiday season is about to begin, there is a lot of preparation going on- decorating, planning, cooking, and baking. It is the season of uniting the family and spending some quality time with them.
The festival is all about delicacies- Turkey, pumpkin or apple pies, puddings, and what more? Cookies. Yes, cookies are the ultimate treat for Christmas. Whether it is about munching while playing games or gifting others, it is a tasty option. As soon as the holiday season begins, the smell of freshly baked cookies covers the house. There are so many varieties- spritz cookies, gingerbread, sugar cookies, bridle, springerle, and many more. Each country has its delicacy. But do you know how cookies became such an integral part of Christmas?
Let’s go back in time. To the solstice rituals and medieval period of Europe where cookies became an integral part of Christmas.
Winter Solstice Festival
The tradition of holiday cookies on Christmas can be traced back to Winter solstice rituals from eons ago. People used to celebrate the season change by organizing a feast before the famines of the winter. The people celebrated the first Frost with fermented beverages, hearty meals, and desserts.
Middle Ages
By the Middle Ages, the Christmas holidays became more prevalent than the solstice ritual but the feast tradition remained the same. People still enjoyed the roast and drink at the festivals. But do you know how cookies became such an integral part of Christmas thecookingfoodie.com. They started adding spices like nutmeg, and cinnamon and used exotic dry fruits like citrons, dates, apricots, etc. They also were able to buy expensive delicacies such as sugar, butter, and lard. Combined it would form a delicious cookie. It was also easy to share with friends and neighbors so people preferred it over cakes and pies.
Present
Even though times have changed, the one thing that hasn’t changed about Christmas cookies is the spice. Still, when we think of traditional Christmas flavors we get the taste of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, etc.
Even the classic Christmas cookie gingerbread has a cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg combination that gives it that spicy taste.
Today you can find different types of cookies in houses for Christmas. Here are some popular cookies that you can try to make your holiday even more fun.
If you are a parent, it is best to bake these cookies with your children. The whole process will bring you close to them and they will also have fun.
Some Popular Cookies for Christmas
Sugar cookies
Sugar cookies are one of the most popular Christmas cookies. These flavorful cookies with soft and thick centers and crispy edges with lat-top decorations can make everyone’s mouth water. You can either decorate with cookie icing or royal icing and shape them with your favorite cooking cutters and have fun. You can either eat it plain or enhance the flavors with a little bit of cinnamon maple syrup and peppermint.
Scottish shortbread
How can you forget the crumbly battery and delicious traditional Scottish biscuits? It is a basic simple cookie but is divinely delicious. And this is the reason why it has been the favorite in the UK for more than a hundred years.
It is also very simple to make all you need to combine flour and sugar in a large bowl. Then mix it with lots of butter and bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
Gingerbread
No one can forget the little Gingerbread man on Christmas. Soft in the centers with crispy edges, and perfectly spiced, this mouth-watering delicacy is surely not overrated.
The classic shape of the gingerbread man was formed by Queen Elizabeth, one of England into the shape of her favorite courtiers. And now it is part of every house’s Christmas party.
To make the gingerbread cookie you need to combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and spice in a bowl. Next, you will have to whisk the water and brown sugar together till they become light and fluffy, and then add molasses, egg, and vanilla. Gradually you have to add the flour mixture and combined it well.
After that, you have to refrigerate the door for at least 4 hours and then roll out and cut into your favorite gingerbread men shapes. Then you have to bake the cookies till the edges are set and the cookies begin to brown.
Lastly comes the fun part. You are free to let your imagination run wild and decorate these cookies with sugar cookie icing or royal icing. You can even add candies and sprinkles not to enhance the text and give the cookies some character.
Snowball cookies
Snowball cookies are a perfect holiday cookie with a combination of pecans, butter, sugar, etc. Also known as Mexican wedding cookies, these cookies taste heavenly. The sweet bite of the powdered sugar and then the ouch of the savory interior. You can even enhance the flavor and texture of the cookie with the toasted pecans.
If you haven’t tried this out then you need to try out these cookies and you will love the melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is just a one-bowl recipe with five simple ingredients and you are left with a buttery and sweet cookie that is enough to make your Christmas fun.
Peanut butter blossoms
Last but not least is the wonderful peanut butter blossom cookies. These cookies are a perfect combination of silky-smooth chocolate with tender sweet and salty peanut butter cookies. It is not a brainer that as you make them, they disappear fast.
To make this cookie you need to beat shortening and peanut butter together in a large bowl. Then add brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla and whisk till fluffy. Now the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Now shape the dough in one inch per and roll it into powdered sugar and place it on a cookie sheet. Wait for 8 to 10 minutes and then press the chocolate in the center of the cookie. And you are done. Now enjoy this small and chewy cookie with your family.
Final Words
Cookies are one of the most important parts of Christmas. These are delicious and easy to share with neighbors and friends, they bring people together.
So how do you like your cookie plain or spiced? Do let us know in the comment section below. Also, let us know your favorite cookie for Christmas.