Hey there my friend 
. If you love soft, buttery cookies with a little holiday magic—oops, I mean charm—this hollyberry cookie recipe is for you. These cookies are lightly sweet with a crisp edge, and the hollyberry decoration makes them perfect for Christmas.
The best part? You don’t need fancy baking skills to make them. I’ll walk you through every step so you can get them right on the first try.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or a whisk and some arm strength)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (round or holly leaf-shaped)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small piping bag (or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off)
Important Info
- Servings: 20 cookies
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: 110 per cookie
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Winter
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Hollyberry Cookies
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup red and green icing (for decoration)
- Red candy pearls or dried cranberries (for the “hollyberries”)
- Green food coloring (if making holly leaf decorations)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (omit extra salt) |
| Granulated sugar | Powdered sugar (for a softer cookie) |
| Vanilla extract | Almond extract |
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour (for a nuttier flavor) |
| Red candy pearls | Small red M&Ms or pomegranate seeds |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating.
- Use green icing to draw holly leaves and place red candy pearls as hollyberries.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overmix the dough. This keeps the cookies tender.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling.
- To get sharp cookie shapes, dip your cutter in flour before cutting.
- Let the cookies cool completely before decorating, or the icing will melt.
- Store extra dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
What to Serve with Hollyberry Cookies
These cookies go great with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of milk. If you want something fancier, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve these cookies on a festive plate with a cup of tea. If you’re giving them as gifts, place them in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This recipe is perfect for Christmas parties and holiday gatherings. They also make great edible gifts for friends and family. You can pack them in small cookie bags and tie them with a ribbon for a cute touch.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting soft.
Refrigeration
- If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best taste.
Freezing
- Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling it out.
Do I have to decorate these cookies?
No, they taste great plain too. But the hollyberry decoration makes them extra festive.
Can I use store-bought icing?
Yes, store-bought icing works fine. If you want a homemade touch, make a simple icing with powdered sugar and milk.
What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
You can use the rim of a small glass or a knife to cut out simple shapes.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Butter gives the cookies the best flavor and texture.
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