Name: Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies: 1 Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491720H36M43S
Total time: PT-491720H36M43S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended); 2 cups chopped candied cherries (red and green)

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Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies have been a cherished part of my holiday traditions for as long as I can remember. My grandmother used to make these buttery, sweet delights every year, their cheerful red and green candied cherries and crunchy nuts filling our home with an irresistible aroma. The scent alone is pure Christmas magic! These aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of nostalgia that bring back so many warm memories. I love that these Ann Rogers holiday cookies are so simple to slice and bake, making them perfect for busy festive seasons. Get ready to create your own sweet memories, because it’s time to get baking!

Why You’ll Love Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for even beginner bakers.
The buttery, sweet dough is a classic favorite that everyone adores.
Bright candied cherries and nuts make these Ann Rogers festive cookies visually stunning.
Slice-and-bake convenience means less fuss and more enjoyment during busy holidays.
These cookies are a wonderful way to create lasting Ann Rogers Christmas cookie traditions.
They store beautifully, making them ideal for cookie exchanges and gifts.
The delightful aroma while baking fills your home with holiday cheer.
You’ll find these Ann Rogers festive cookies taste just like the holidays!

Essential Ingredients for Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

Gathering the right Ann Rogers Christmas cookie ingredients is the first step to baking these classic holiday treats. The foundation of these buttery delights starts with 1 cup butter, softened, which gives them their rich texture. For sweetness without grittiness, we use 1 cup powdered sugar. A single egg acts as a binder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds that unmistakable warm flavor. The bulk of the cookie comes from 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, providing structure.

What truly makes these Ann Rogers holiday cookies special are the mix-ins: 1 cup chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch, and 2 cups chopped candied cherries (red and green) for bursts of festive color and sweetness. These colorful cherries are key to the traditional look and taste of these Ann Rogers festive cookies.

How to Make Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

Let’s dive into how to make Ann Rogers Christmas cookies! These are truly a joy to bake, and the process is quite straightforward, even for a beginner. You’ll be enjoying these delightful treats in no time.

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates the perfect buttery base for our cookies. You’ll notice it turning a pale yellow and becoming airy.
Step 3: Mix in the 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy. The vanilla adds a wonderful aroma that begins to fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Gradually add the 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we want tender cookies!
Step 5: Now for the fun part! Gently stir in the 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are my favorites!) and the 2 cups chopped candied cherries (red and green). The dough will become studded with these colorful gems, making it look so festive.
Step 6: Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 2 inches thick. This is where the “slice-and-bake” magic happens.
Step 7: Wrap each dough log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to firm up. This chilling step is crucial for easy slicing.
Step 8: Once chilled, unwrap the dough logs. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You’ll see the beautiful pattern of cherries and nuts emerge.
Step 9: Place the cookie slices on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between them as they will spread slightly.
Step 10: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary. The smell of these baking is heavenly!
Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking. Following these steps on how to make Ann Rogers Christmas cookies ensures a delicious outcome every time.

Pro Tips for the Best Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

Want to elevate your Ann Rogers cookie game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these cookies truly shine. These simple tips ensure your Ann Rogers holiday cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Always use softened butter – not melted! This is crucial for the creaming process.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour; it can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the dough logs sufficiently. If the dough is too soft, the cookies won’t hold their shape when sliced and baked.
Keep a close eye on the baking time. The edges should be lightly golden, not dark brown.

What’s the secret to perfect Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies?

The real secret to achieving the Ann Rogers best Christmas cookies is the balance of ingredients and proper chilling. Ensuring the butter is perfectly softened and the dough is well-chilled before slicing prevents the cookies from spreading too much and losing their lovely shape. For more baking tips, check out expert baking advice.

Can I make Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough logs can be made up to two days in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator. You can even freeze them for up to two months. This makes them incredibly convenient for last-minute holiday baking. If you’re looking for other make-ahead holiday treats, consider these cranberry feta pinwheels.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies?

The most common pitfalls are overmixing the dough, which results in tough cookies, and slicing the dough logs while too warm, leading to misshapen cookies. Always ensure your dough is firm from chilling before slicing, and mix the flour in just until combined.

Best Ways to Serve Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

These classic Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies are so versatile! They’re perfect simply served with a tall glass of cold milk, a tradition many families cherish. For a slightly more elevated treat, I love pairing them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate. They’re also a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter, sitting beautifully alongside fruit tarts or chocolate truffles. When it comes to Ann Rogers cookie exchange ideas, these cookies are always a huge hit. Their festive colors and buttery flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, and they travel exceptionally well, ensuring they arrive looking as good as they taste.

Nutrition Facts for Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

When enjoying these delightful holiday treats, it’s helpful to have an idea of the nutritional breakdown per cookie. These estimates are based on typical serving sizes and ingredient usage.

Calories: Approx. 100-120 kcal
Fat: Approx. 6-8 g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 3-4 g
Protein: Approx. 1 g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 12-15 g
Fiber: Approx. 0.5 g
Sugar: Approx. 8-10 g
Sodium: Approx. 10-20 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies.

How to Store and Reheat Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

Proper storage is key to enjoying these delightful Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies long after they’re baked. Once your cookies have completely cooled on a wire rack – and this is crucial, as warm cookies can create condensation and become soggy – you’ll want to place them in an airtight container. For short-term storage, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you’re planning to make these as part of your larger Ann Rogers holiday baking recipes collection and need to keep them longer, the freezer is your best friend. Wrap the cooled cookies well, perhaps in batches, and freeze for up to three months. For other dessert ideas, check out these delicious desserts.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can simply let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. If you prefer them slightly warm, you can gently reheat them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for just a few minutes until they’re toasty. This method works wonderfully for bringing back that fresh-baked texture and delicious aroma, making your stored Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies taste just like they came out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies

What are Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies?

Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies are a beloved, traditional American holiday cookie known for their buttery flavor, a hint of sweetness, and the delightful crunch from chopped nuts and festive candied cherries. They are a classic slice-and-bake recipe, making them incredibly easy to prepare during the busy holiday season. Many people associate them with nostalgic family gatherings and cherished Ann Rogers Christmas cookie traditions.

Can I substitute the candied cherries?

While the candied cherries are iconic to these Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies, you can certainly get creative! If you can’t find them or prefer something different, try using dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even extra nuts for texture. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a bit of orange zest to the dough. These variations can lead to wonderful new Ann Rogers Christmas cookie inspiration. For a similar festive feel, you might enjoy these mini citrus cloud bites.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

To ensure your Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies are perfectly round, it’s essential that the dough logs are chilled thoroughly before slicing. Using a sharp knife and making clean, decisive cuts helps prevent the dough from squishing or deforming. If your dough becomes too soft while slicing, pop it back into the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes to firm up before continuing. This technique is key to achieving beautiful Ann Rogers classic Christmas cookie recipes.

Are Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies good for cookie exchanges?

Absolutely! These cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges. Their sturdy nature means they travel well, and their universally appealing buttery flavor and festive appearance make them a hit with everyone. They look beautiful on a platter and are a fantastic example of Ann Rogers holiday baking recipes that are always in demand for sharing. For more ideas on delicious baked goods, explore baby lemon impossible pies.

Variations of Ann Rogers Christmas Cookies You Can Try

Looking for some fresh Ann Rogers Christmas cookie inspiration? While the classic recipe is absolutely divine, there are so many fun ways to put your own spin on these beloved treats! These variations are perfect for adding a little something extra to your holiday baking spread.

Spiced & Nutty Twist: For a deeper flavor, try incorporating 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients. You can also swap half the candied cherries for dried cranberries for a tart contrast, creating delightful Ann Rogers spiced Christmas cookies.
Gluten-Free Delight: Easily make these gluten-free by substituting a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Ensure your other ingredients are also certified gluten-free. This is a wonderful way to share these Ann Rogers traditional Christmas cookies with more people.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have completely cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted dark or white chocolate. This adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions. It’s a simple update to the Ann Rogers classic Christmas cookie recipes.
Citrus Zest Kick: Add the zest of one orange to the butter and sugar mixture. This brightens up the cookie and pairs beautifully with the cherries and nuts, offering a refreshing change to the standard recipe.