There’s something magical about a kitchen at Christmas. Whether baking for family, friends, or a neighborhood swap, classic recipes never fail to bring joy, because the sweetest gifts of all are the ones made by hand.
Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
METHOD
Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture. Cover, chill for 1 hour. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into shapes, bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Cool, then frost (add sprinkles pre-bake).
Chocolate Crinkles
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup powdered sugar
METHOD
Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Cover, chill, 2 hours or overnight. Roll 1-inch balls generously in powdered sugar. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until cracked and set. Cool on wire racks.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
INGREDIENTS
¾ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar, plus more for coating
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
METHOD
Cream butter and sugar; add egg and molasses. Add dry ingredients. Cover, chill, 30 minutes. Roll 1-inch balls in sugar, bake at 350°F on parchmen- lined pan, 9–11 minutes, until edges are slightly crisp and centers soft.
