Vanilla Bean Christmas Lights Cookies

As the holidays approach, the festive spirit inspires us to create something special and share it with our loved ones. Today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that captures the essence of the season in the most delicious way imaginable—Vanilla Bean Christmas Lights Cookies. These cookies are not just a treat for the palate but also a joy to behold, lighting up your festive spread with their cheerful colors and delightful vanilla aroma.

From my kitchen to yours, I’m truly grateful to be able to share this recipe, and I hope it brings as much joy to your holiday celebrations as it does to mine!

Ingredients

To start, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe calls for:

For the Cookies

• 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder, or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus an additional 2-4 tablespoons, if needed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Vanilla Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
• Mini holiday M&M’s and vanilla sugar for decorating

this Recipe

How to Make Vanilla Bean Christmas Lights Cookies

1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla bean powder, hazelnut liquor (if using), and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If the dough feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon or two of flour.

2: Shape and Chill

1. Roll the dough into a thin sheet on a floured surface.
2. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut out the cookies in the shape of Christmas lights (or any festive shapes you like!).
3. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them keep their shape while baking.

3: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
3. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4: Decorate

1. Mix the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to create the icing. Adjust the consistency with a little water or more powdered sugar, if necessary.
2. Dip the cooled cookies into the melted chocolate, then drizzle or spread the vanilla icing over them.
3. Decorate with mini M&M’s to mimic the colorful lights of a Christmas string.

Helpful Tips

• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough, as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Decorating Fun: Involve your kids or family members in decorating these cookies. It’s a fun and engaging way to spend time together during the holidays.

Substitutions/Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-friendly option.
• Alcohol-Free: Omit the hazelnut liquor or replace it with almond extract for a nuttier flavor without the alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve already decorated them with icing and M&M’s, make sure the icing has set completely before storing.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved these festive cookies, you might also enjoy these delightful treats:

• Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
• Christmas Oreo Truffles
• Italian Christmas Cookies Recipe

This holiday season, fill your home with the scent of vanilla and sugar, and enjoy the light these cookies bring to your celebrations. Happy baking!

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