As the New Year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about delicious treats to enjoy with friends and family. What better way to ring in the New Year than with some homemade New Year cookies? Whether you’re looking for a classic chocolate chip recipe or something a little more unique, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite cookie recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From traditional sugar cookies to festive gingerbread men, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So put on your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a storm this New Year’s Eve!
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the house. These classic treats are always a crowd favorite and are sure to disappear quickly. To make a batch of these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- – 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- – 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- – 2 large eggs
- – 2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies!
2. Festive Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a staple during the holiday season, and they’re perfect for ringing in the New Year as well. These cookies are easy to make and can be decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles for a festive touch. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of sugar cookies:
- – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 large egg
- – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well to combine.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired and enjoy your festive sugar cookies!
3. Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that are perfect for ringing in the New Year. These chewy cookies are spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, and are sure to warm you up on a cold winter’s night. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of gingerbread cookies:
- – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking soda
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- – 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- – 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- – 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
- – 1 large egg
- – 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture, mixing well to combine.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy your chewy gingerbread cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa!
4. Nutty Almond Biscotti
Biscotti are a traditional Italian cookie that are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. This nutty almond version is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit at your New Year’s celebration. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of almond biscotti:
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- – 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs and almond extract to the butter mixture, mixing well to combine.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Stir in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 12 inches long.
8. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
9. Allow the logs to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing into 1/2 inch thick slices.
10. Arrange the slices on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
11. Enjoy your nutty almond biscotti with a hot beverage of your choice!
5. Lemon Ricotta Cookies
For a refreshing twist on traditional cookies, try these lemon ricotta cookies. The combination of tangy lemon and creamy ricotta cheese makes for a delightful flavor pairing that is perfect for the New Year. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of lemon ricotta cookies:
- – 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- – 1 cup granulated sugar
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 cup ricotta cheese
- – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- – Zest of 1 lemon
- – Juice of 1 lemon
- – Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the butter mixture, mixing well to combine.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
10. Enjoy your light and fluffy lemon ricotta cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Conclusion
Ring in the New Year with these delicious cookie recipes that are sure to impress your guests. From classic chocolate chip cookies to festive sugar cookies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are easy to follow and will have you baking up a storm in no time. So put on your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in some homemade treats this New Year’s Eve. Happy baking!
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookie recipes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make most of these cookie recipes ahead of time. Simply bake the cookies according to the instructions and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They should keep well for several days at room temperature.
2. Can I freeze cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze cookie dough for later use. Simply shape the dough into a log or portion it into individual cookies, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
3. Can I substitute ingredients in these cookie recipes?
Yes, you can often substitute ingredients in these cookie recipes to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour, or coconut oil in place of butter. Just be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly to maintain the proper consistency of the dough.
4. How can I decorate these cookies for a festive touch?
You can decorate these cookies with icing, sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible glitter for a festive touch. Simply let the cookies cool completely before decorating them as desired. Get creative with your decorations and have fun making your cookies look as good as they taste!
5. Can I make these cookie recipes with kids?
Yes, these cookie recipes are perfect for making with kids. Get the whole family involved in the baking process and let the kids help with measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and decorating the cookies. Baking together can be a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages, and it’s a great way to create lasting memories together.
