Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits Recipe

Magical Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits Recipe for Festive Joy

Festive holiday memories dance around these delightful christmas spiced biscuits that crunch with every delectable bite.

Warm kitchen aromas waft through the home, promising comfort and joy.

Delicate spices whisper tales of generations past, blending tradition with modern delight.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger mingle in a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Crisp edges promise a satisfying snap that makes you smile.

Each golden-brown morsel carries the magic of winter celebrations.

These simple treats connect us to cherished moments of togetherness.

Grab a plate and let the baking adventure begin!

Why These Christmas Biscuits Taste Like Tradition

  • Craft Holiday Memories: These Christmas spiced biscuits create delightful family moments with their nostalgic flavors and fun cookie-cutting experience that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
  • Master Quick Festive Baking: Requiring only 30 minutes of active preparation time and simple ingredients, these biscuits are perfect for busy home bakers wanting to create impressive holiday treats without complex techniques.
  • Customize with Creativity: The recipe offers flexible decorating options, allowing bakers to personalize each cookie with unique royal icing designs, sprinkles, or edible glitter, making them ideal for both children and adults to enjoy.
  • Capture Seasonal Warmth: Packed with traditional winter spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these biscuits deliver a comforting aroma and taste that instantly evokes cherished Christmas traditions and cozy celebrations.

What Goes Into These Spiced Holiday Treats

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture for the biscuits.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy consistency.
  • Molasses: Brings complex, warm sweetness and deep color to the cookie.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and base for the biscuit dough.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light texture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
Spice Blend:
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic Christmas spices that create a warm, festive flavor with aromatic depth.
Optional Decoration Ingredients:
  • Royal Icing: Provides a smooth, decorative finish for the biscuits.
  • Sprinkles, Edible Glitter: Adds festive sparkle and visual appeal to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Texture

Step 1: Create Cookie Dough

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend softened butter, rich brown sugar, and dark molasses until they become fluffy and cloud-like. Crack a fresh egg into the mixture and whisk until everything looks smooth and creamy. In another bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Powdered ginger
  • Freshly grated nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a firm dough forms that holds together perfectly.

Step 2: Chill Dough

Split the dough into two equal portions. Gently press each portion into a flat disk and wrap securely with plastic wrap. Slide these into the refrigerator and let them rest for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and the dough to firm up.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust your work surface with a light layer of flour. Roll out the chilled dough until it’s about as thin as a thin coin. Use festive cookie cutters to create delightful holiday shapes like:
  • Sparkling stars
  • Jolly Christmas trees
  • Cheerful gingerbread figures

Place these charming cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the cookies feel firm to the touch. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.

Step 5: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

Once the cookies have completely cooled, unleash your creativity! Decorate with:
  • Shimmering royal icing
  • Colorful sprinkles
  • Magical edible glitter

Arrange on a festive platter and watch eyes light up with joy!

Tips to Keep the Crunch Without Dryness

  • Optimize Dough Chilling: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and ensure even cooling for better texture and easier rolling.
  • Master Spice Balance: Adjust spice quantities to personal taste, but maintain the core blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for authentic Christmas flavor.
  • Perfect Rolling Technique: Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling to prevent tough biscuits and add a subtle sweetness to the edges.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour blend to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent Spreading Trick: Chill cut-out cookies for 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain sharp shapes and prevent spreading during baking.

Smart Storage for Long-Lasting Festive Bites

  • Seal baked biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their crispness and flavor.
  • Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and protect delicate decorations.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 7 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Freeze undecorated biscuits in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months, ensuring they are completely cooled before freezing.
  • Thaw frozen biscuits at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, and add decorations after they reach room temperature to preserve their beautiful design.

Pair With Cozy Beverages or Cheese Plates

  • Spice Up Your Sip: Pair these crunchy Christmas spiced biscuits with a warm mug of mulled wine or spiced apple cider. The rich, aromatic beverages complement the biscuits' warm spices, creating a cozy holiday flavor explosion.
  • Creamy Companion: Serve alongside a smooth eggnog or a creamy hot chocolate. The sweet, velvety drinks balance the biscuits' crisp texture and enhance the warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
  • Tea Time Triumph: Match these biscuits with a robust black tea or a fragrant chai. The spicy tea notes will dance perfectly with the cookie's holiday-inspired flavor profile, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Sweet Dessert Duo: Complete the experience with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy accompaniment provides a delicious contrast to the spiced, crunchy biscuits.

Spice Swaps and Biscuit Twists

  • Spiced Chocolate Swirl: Melt dark chocolate and swirl it into the dough, creating marbled biscuits with rich chocolate undertones and warm holiday spices.
  • Nutty Winter Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for extra texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the Christmas spices.
  • Citrus Holiday Spark: Grate orange or lemon zest into the mixture, adding a bright, fresh citrus note that lightens the traditional spiced biscuit recipe.
  • Glazed Crystallized Ginger Version: Chop crystallized ginger and mix into the dough, then top baked biscuits with a light lemon or orange glaze for an elevated flavor profile.

FAQs for Holiday Biscuit Success

These biscuits feature traditional holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which are classic flavors associated with Christmas baking. The warm, aromatic spices create a festive taste that instantly reminds people of holiday celebrations.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it super convenient for holiday preparation and allows the flavors to develop more deeply.

  • What if I don't have all the specific spices?

No worries! You can still make these biscuits with whatever warm spices you have on hand. The key is to maintain a similar blend of aromatic spices that give the cookies their characteristic Christmas flavor. Even using just cinnamon can work in a pinch.

  • Are these biscuits good for kids to help make?

These cookies are perfect for a family baking activity! Children can help with cutting out shapes, decorating with icing, and adding sprinkles. It’s a fun way to create holiday memories and get everyone involved in the kitchen.

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Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits Recipe

Crunchy Christmas Spiced Biscuits Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Spiced Biscuits bring holiday cheer with their delightful crunch and warm seasonal spices. Delicate hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance across these irresistible treats, promising pure comfort and joy in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup molasses (or golden syrup for a lighter flavor)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Decoration Ingredients:

  • Royal icing
  • Colored sprinkles or sugar
  • Edible glitter

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundational mixture by gently blending softened butter, rich brown sugar, and robust molasses in a spacious mixing vessel until the texture becomes airy and smooth. Incorporate the egg thoroughly, ensuring complete integration.
  2. Separately, sift together the dry components including flour, baking soda, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually fold these elements into the creamy wet mixture, creating a compact, unified dough.
  3. Partition the dough into two equal portions, pressing each into a flat disc. Encase each section in protective film and refrigerate for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to solidify.
  4. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare baking surfaces with parchment paper. Dust a clean workspace with a light flour coating to prevent sticking.
  5. Extract the chilled dough and roll it out carefully, aiming for a delicate 1/8-inch thickness. Select festive-themed cookie cutters to transform the dough into whimsical shapes like stars, trees, or charming gingerbread figures.
  6. Arrange the cut shapes onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining a modest distance between each biscuit to prevent merging during baking.
  7. Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a firm structural integrity.
  8. Allow the freshly baked biscuits to rest on the hot trays for five minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature.
  9. Embellish the cooled biscuits with delicate royal icing, sparkling sprinkles, or shimmering edible glitter to enhance their festive appeal.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to make these biscuits suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Reduce sugar content by using coconut sugar or replacing some sugar with applesauce for a healthier version.
  • Enhance spice intensity by toasting whole spices before grinding them, which releases deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Prevent spreading during baking by ensuring butter is cold and dough is thoroughly chilled before cutting and baking.
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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