Festive Holly Berry Cookies

Description:

Festive Holly Berry Cookies are delightful holiday treats that capture the spirit of Christmas with their colorful design and buttery flavor. Shaped like holly leaves or wreaths and adorned with red candy “berries,” these cookies are a joy to make and share. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as gifts, they combine the richness of shortbread with a festive decorative touch.

Origin:

Inspired by the traditional holly plant, which symbolizes Christmas cheer, these cookies originated as decorative holiday treats often baked in Europe. Their festive designs pay homage to the holiday’s seasonal colors and are a modern twist on classic shortbread cookies.

Ingredients (Makes about 24 cookies):

Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup (230 g)
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
• Egg yolk: 1 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Almond extract (optional): ½ tsp
• All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups (280 g)
• Salt: ¼ tsp

Decoration:

• Red candy pearls or mini M&Ms: 24-36 pieces (for holly berries)
• Green and red royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
• Green sugar sprinkles (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• Lemon zest: ½ tsp (for a citrusy twist)
• Cinnamon or nutmeg: ¼ tsp (for a warm holiday flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
2. Add Egg and Flavorings: Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Shape into a Disk: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape it into a disk, and wrap it in plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate: Chill for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll and Cut: Roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a holly leaf or wreath-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
3. Bake: Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Add Icing: Pipe green royal icing onto the cookies to resemble holly leaves or wreaths.
2. Attach Berries: Add red candy pearls or mini M&Ms for the holly berries before the icing sets.
3. Sprinkle Magic: For extra sparkle, sprinkle green sugar over the wet icing.

Tips for Success:

• Chill for Precision: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring sharp, clean edges.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Keep Decorations in Place: If the candies don’t stick to the icing, add a dab of royal icing to secure them.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.

Recommendations:

• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a decorative box or tin with festive tissue paper for a charming holiday gift.
• Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled cider to complement the buttery flavor.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies and decorate after thawing.

Nutrition (Per Cookie):

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g

Festive Holly Berry Cookies bring a touch of holiday magic to your baking lineup. Their delicate texture, sweet flavor, and beautiful appearance make them a cherished addition to any Christmas celebration!