Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe – Maida & Vanilla Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe – Maida & Vanilla Delight

Hey everyone! Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking? I absolutely love making cookies during the holidays – the smell of vanilla and butter filling the kitchen is just pure magic. This easy Christmas cookies recipe, made with simple ingredients like maida and a touch of vanilla, is a family favorite and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s perfect for getting the kids involved too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any cookies. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and incredibly fun to decorate. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can! They’re the perfect treat to leave out for Santa, share with friends, or just enjoy with a cozy cup of chai.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive delights:

• 1 and 1/2 cup maida (all-purpose flour) – about 180g
• 1/3 cup chilled butter – 75g
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar – about 90g
• 1 no egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence – about 2.5ml
• 1/8 teaspoon salt – a pinch!
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – about 2.5g
• Colored sugar sprinkles – as needed!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference:

• Maida Flour: We’re using maida (all-purpose flour) here because it gives these cookies a lovely tender crumb. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but maida is traditional for a reason!
• Chilled Butter: Seriously, don’t skip the chilled butter! It’s key to getting that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I usually pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before starting.
• Vanilla Essence Quality: A good quality vanilla essence really shines through in these cookies. I prefer using a pure vanilla extract if I can, but a good quality essence works beautifully too.
• Sprinkles Variations: This is where you can really get creative! I love using colorful sugar sprinkles, but you can also use edible glitter, chopped nuts, or even tiny chocolate chips. My niece loves rainbow sprinkles – it’s all about the fun!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, sieve together the maida, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. In another bowl, cream together the chilled butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk!). Keep going until it’s light and fluffy – this takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it.
3. Now, add the egg and vanilla essence to the butter mixture. Whisk it all together until everything is nicely combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix!
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
6. Once chilled, roll the dough out between two sheets of butter paper to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Time for the fun part! Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out your shapes. Stars, trees, gingerbread men – the possibilities are endless!
8. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
9. Arrange the cookies on the tray, leaving a little space between each one. Chill them in the fridge for another 10 minutes – this helps prevent them from spreading too much. Then, sprinkle generously with your chosen sprinkles!
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! These cookies are best when they’re still slightly soft.
• If your dough is too sticky, add a little more maida, one tablespoon at a time.
• For perfectly shaped cookies, use a lightly floured surface and a sharp cookie cutter.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. There are some great options available now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace the maida with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a warmer, spicier flavor. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of cardamom!
• Festival Adaptations: Use Diwali-themed cookie cutters (like diyas or rangoli patterns) or New Year shapes (stars, champagne bottles) to celebrate different festivals.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a glass of milk, a cup of chai, or a mug of hot chocolate. They also make a lovely addition to a festive dessert platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of maida is best for cookies? Regular all-purpose maida works perfectly!
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading? Chilling the dough before rolling and baking is key.
• What’s the best way to decorate these cookies? Sprinkles are the easiest and most fun! You can also use royal icing for more elaborate designs.
• Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re completely cooled and stored in an airtight container.

Happy baking, everyone! I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as my family does. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!