Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes

​Who doesn’t love the wonderful smell of fresh baked cookies? And the taste! Oh my! Since we are all stuck at home, why not bake away the afternoon with these all-time favourites?
We have one basic dough that will make 3 (!) great cookies and one no-bake chocolate option that is just heavenly!

​On the picture, from left to right, you will see: Maple filled cookies, chocolate crunchies, classic shortbread with maple sugar topping and Linzer cookies.

Shortbread basic recipe
1 1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/3 cups flour
 
For the maple filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 ounces Maple syrup
a few drops Maple extract or flavouring
1.5 to 2 cups powdered sugar
 
For the Linzer jam-filled cookies
1/2  cup red jam such as strawberry or raspberry
 
Step 1: First things first, line 2 large baking trays with baking parchment and pop them aside for later. Get your cookie cutters out.
Step 2: Grab yourself a large bowl and pop in the butter and the sugar. Cream together until your mixture is nice and smooth. 
Step 3: Work in the flour, first with a hand mixer, then dive in with your hands. Make sure you get a nice even dough without cracks.  
Step 4: Divide the dough into two balls, cover with cling wrap and pop in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. While your dough is chilling, it’s time to preheat the oven to 375°C fan/gas 5 - make sure to preheat at least 15 minutes before you’re ready to bake your cookies to allow the oven to get up to the right temperature.
Step 5: Sprinkle flour on your working surface, then roll out the dough. We like it to be even, around 1/3 inches high.
Step 6: Time for fun! Take your cookie cutters and cut out whatever shapes you like.
For the regular shortbread: Any shape will do!
For the maple double deckers: We like a flower shape. You will need an even amount of cut out cookies since they are double deckers, obviously.
For the Linzer jam-filled cookies: We like a circle shape for the bottom and a circle for the top. Cut out a heart or another small shape from the top circle. You will need the same amount of top as bottom parts.
Step 7: Pop your cookies in the oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. You’ll notice that they’re slightly soft when you take them out, but don’t worry they will firm up as they cool. You don’t want them to get brown since they will become bitter.
Step 8: For the maple icing: In a large mixing bowl, add butter, maple syrup, maple extract and whip it together until smooth. Gradually, add powdered sugar, while continuing to mix until frosting is thick and creamy.
 
TO DECORATE
Step 9: Once your cookies are cool, decorate the regular shortbread with maple sugar, melted dark chocolate, a sugar and cinnamon mixture or whatever you like.
Step 10: Pipe the maple frosting on one of the flower cookies and top off with another flower shape. Press lightly on the top to make sure they stick well together.
Step 11: For the Linzer Cookies, take a round cookie. Use a teaspoon and place some red jam in the middle. Place top part of the cookie over the jam. Sprinkle with icing sugar to your liking.  
Step 12: Ta-dah you can now enjoy your wonderful cookies! 

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