Unwrap Holiday Magic: Delicious Recipes with Betty Crocker’s New Holiday Cookie Mixes
‘Tis the season for baking, and Betty Crocker is making it easier than ever to create holiday magic in your kitchen! Their new line of holiday cookie mixes offers a delicious and convenient way to whip up festive treats for your family, friends, and holiday gatherings. Forget complicated recipes and endless ingredients – these mixes provide a fantastic base for creating a variety of delightful cookies. This article will guide you through several easy-to-follow recipes using Betty Crocker’s holiday cookie mixes, transforming them into unique and memorable holiday delights.
## Why Betty Crocker Holiday Cookie Mixes?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s explore why Betty Crocker cookie mixes are a holiday baker’s best friend:
* **Convenience:** These mixes significantly reduce prep time. All the dry ingredients are pre-measured, saving you the hassle of gathering and measuring individual components.
* **Consistency:** You can rely on consistent results every time you bake. The pre-portioned ingredients ensure the proper balance of flavors and textures.
* **Variety:** Betty Crocker offers a range of holiday-themed cookie mixes, allowing you to create a diverse assortment of treats.
* **Customizability:** These mixes are a fantastic starting point for adding your personal touch. You can easily incorporate other ingredients to create unique variations.
* **Perfect for Beginners:** If you’re new to baking, these mixes provide a low-pressure way to get started and build confidence.
## Getting Started: Essential Baking Tips
Before we embark on our cookie-baking journey, here are some essential tips to ensure success:
* **Read the Instructions:** Always read the instructions on the cookie mix package carefully before beginning. Pay attention to the recommended baking time and temperature, as these can vary depending on the mix.
* **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Unless otherwise specified, use room temperature butter and eggs for the best results. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, creating a smoother batter.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the cookie dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, and avoid excessive stirring.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This is especially helpful for cookies with a high butter content.
* **Use Parchment Paper:** Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or decorating. This prevents the frosting from melting and the cookies from breaking.
* **Oven Calibration:** Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the temperature accordingly.
* **Baking Sheets:** Use light-colored baking sheets. Dark baking sheets can cause the bottoms of the cookies to burn.
* **Storage:** Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
## Recipe 1: Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
This recipe uses Betty Crocker’s Sugar Cookie Mix as a base for creating beautifully decorated classic sugar cookies.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* **For the Royal Icing:**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 3 tablespoons meringue powder
* 6-8 tablespoons warm water
* Food coloring (gel or liquid), as desired
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough.
2. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie mix package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
4. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
5. **Cut Out Shapes:** Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
6. **Bake the Cookies:** Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. **Bake** Bake for the time indicated on the cookie mix package (usually 6-8 minutes), or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Prepare the Royal Icing:** In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add the warm water, starting with 6 tablespoons, and whisk until smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches a consistency that is thin enough to spread but thick enough to hold its shape.
10. **Color the Icing:** Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl, as desired. Stir until the color is evenly distributed.
11. **Decorate the Cookies:** Transfer the icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles. Decorate the cookies as desired. Let the icing dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cookie dough for extra flavor.
* Use different cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes.
* Sprinkle the cookies with sanding sugar or sprinkles before baking.
* Add a few drops of almond extract to the royal icing for a nutty flavor.
* Use edible glitter to add a touch of sparkle to the cookies.
## Recipe 2: Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
These festive cookies combine the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint. We’ll use Betty Crocker’s Chocolate Cookie Mix as our base.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Chocolate Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Chocolate Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough. Add the peppermint extract to the dough and mix well.
2. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie mix package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
4. **Shape the Cookies:** Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
5. **Coat with Powdered Sugar:** Roll each ball in powdered sugar until it is completely coated.
6. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. **Sprinkle with Peppermint:** Gently press crushed peppermint candies into the tops of the sugared cookie dough balls.
8. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for the time indicated on the cookie mix package (usually 8-10 minutes), or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
9. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkles will become more pronounced as the cookies cool.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate chips in the cookie dough, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
* Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a richer chocolate flavor.
* Use different types of crushed candies, such as candy canes or hard candies.
* Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
* For a richer peppermint flavor, use peppermint extract instead of peppermint candies.
## Recipe 3: Peanut Butter Blossoms with Holiday Kisses
These classic cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re especially festive with holiday-themed Hershey’s Kisses. We’ll start with Betty Crocker’s Peanut Butter Cookie Mix.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* Granulated sugar, for rolling
* 24 Hershey’s Kisses (holiday-themed, unwrapped)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie mix package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
3. **Shape the Cookies:** Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
4. **Coat with Sugar:** Roll each ball in granulated sugar until it is completely coated.
5. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for the time indicated on the cookie mix package (usually 8-10 minutes), or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
7. **Add the Kisses:** Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges.
8. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The Kisses will soften slightly and adhere to the cookies.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of Hershey’s Kisses, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or caramel-filled Kisses.
* Add a pinch of sea salt to the top of each cookie before baking for a salty-sweet flavor.
* Use a fork to flatten the cookies slightly before baking for a more traditional peanut butter blossom shape.
* Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cookie dough for extra flavor.
* For a nuttier flavor, add chopped peanuts to the cookie dough.
## Recipe 4: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Cranberries and Orange Zest
Give your oatmeal raisin cookies a holiday twist with cranberries and orange zest. We’ll be modifying Betty Crocker’s Oatmeal Cookie Mix for this recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough. Add the dried cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon to the dough and mix well.
2. **Chill the Dough (Optional):** While not essential, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can improve the texture of the cookies.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie mix package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
4. **Shape the Cookies:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
5. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for the time indicated on the cookie mix package (usually 8-10 minutes), or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
6. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 15 minutes before adding them to the dough to plump them up.
* Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
* Use different types of dried fruit, such as chopped dates or apricots.
* Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the cookie dough for a warmer spice flavor.
* Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
## Recipe 5: Gingerbread Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Transform Betty Crocker’s Ginger Cookie Mix into something truly special with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Ginger Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* **For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Ginger Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough.
2. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie mix package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
4. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
5. **Cut Out Shapes:** Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes (gingerbread men, stars, etc.).
6. **Bake the Cookies:** Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. **Bake** Bake for the time indicated on the cookie mix package (usually 6-8 minutes), or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:** In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
10. **Frost the Cookies:** Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops of the cookies. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, candies, or other festive toppings.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a teaspoon of molasses to the cookie dough for a deeper gingerbread flavor.
* Use different spices in the cookie dough, such as ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice.
* Add chopped crystallized ginger to the cookie dough for a chewy texture.
* Color the cream cheese frosting with food coloring for a festive touch.
* Pipe the frosting onto the cookies using a piping bag and decorative tips for a more elegant look.
## Recipe 6: Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
A delicious twist on a classic! We’ll use Betty Crocker Snickerdoodle Cookie mix to make easy and delicious cookie bars.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for a thicker bar)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough. If you prefer thicker bars, add the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix well.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. **Prepare Baking Pan:** Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
4. **Spread Dough:** Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. **Cool Completely:** Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
* Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
* Swirl in a spoonful of caramel sauce or Nutella before baking.
* Top with a cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
## Recipe 7: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
This recipe brings a taste of the tropics to your holiday baking using a base of Betty Crocker’s Sugar Cookie mix and adding a few key ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* 1 cup white chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix package to prepare the cookie dough. Add the almond extract if using.
2. **Mix in Additions:** Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. **Chill Dough (Optional):** Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent excessive spreading.
4. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cookie mix package (usually 375°F or 190°C).
5. **Shape Cookies:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Bake:** Bake for the time indicated on the cookie mix package (usually 8-10 minutes), or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Toast the macadamia nuts before chopping for enhanced flavor.
* Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or cashews.
* Add dried cranberries or cherries for a festive touch.
* Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking and sprinkle with more macadamia nuts.
## Recipe 8: Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
These vibrant and festive cookies are perfect for the holidays. We’ll adapt Betty Crocker’s Red Velvet Cake Mix for this delightful treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Red Velvet Cake Mix
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the Red Velvet Cake Mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. **Shape Cookies:** Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
5. **Coat with Powdered Sugar:** Roll each ball in powdered sugar until it is completely coated.
6. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will crinkle as they bake.
8. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The crinkles will become more pronounced as the cookies cool.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a more intense chocolate flavor.
* Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
* Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze after cooling.
* Top with festive sprinkles.
## Recipe 9: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Bring a bright and zesty flavor to your holiday cookie platter. We’ll use Betty Crocker’s Lemon Bar Mix as a starting point.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Lemon Bar Mix (crust mix only, reserve the filling mix for another use)
* As called for on the package for the crust: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Dough**: Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Lemon Bar Mix packaging to prepare the crust dough. Add in lemon zest and poppy seeds to the dough. Mix well.
2. **Chill the dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. **Shape the Cookies:** Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
5. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
7. **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations**
* Add a lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice.
* Add shredded coconut.
* Drizzle the cooled cookies with white chocolate and lemon zest.
## Recipe 10: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Turn your Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie mix into a decadent treat with these no-bake truffles. This is a perfect recipe to let the kids help with!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
* As called for on the package: Usually this includes butter and eggs
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 12 ounces chocolate candy coating (melting wafers), your choice of flavor
* Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the Cookies:** Follow the instructions on the Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix package to prepare and bake the cookies. Let the cookies cool completely.
2. **Crumble the Cookies:** Once the cookies are completely cool, crumble them into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand.
3. **Combine with Cream Cheese:** In a large bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and softened cream cheese. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
4. **Chill the Dough:** Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. **Shape the Truffles:** Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
6. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate candy coating according to the package directions. Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
7. **Dip the Truffles:** Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tools to coat completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
8. **Decorate (Optional):** Immediately sprinkle the truffles with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other decorations before the chocolate sets.
9. **Chill to Set:** Place the dipped truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of Betty Crocker cookie mixes, such as peanut butter or sugar cookie mix.
* Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the cookie dough before baking.
* Use different types of chocolate candy coating, such as white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate.
* Drizzle the truffles with melted chocolate of a contrasting color.
* Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or crushed nuts instead of dipping them in chocolate.
## Conclusion: Baking Holiday Memories
Betty Crocker’s holiday cookie mixes offer a wonderful starting point for creating delicious and memorable treats. These recipes provide just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and decorations to create your own signature holiday cookies. Remember, the most important ingredient is love! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of delicious cookies!