Are you looking for a festive and delightful treat to enjoy during the holiday season? Look no further than chocolate drizzled Christmas cookie sticks! These adorable and delicious cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as homemade gifts for your loved ones. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delightful cookie sticks, from the ingredients you'll need to step-by-step instructions. Get ready to indulge in the sweet flavors and festive spirit!
What are Christmas Cookie Sticks?
Christmas cookie sticks are cookies that are shaped like thin sticks, making them perfect for dunking in hot chocolate or enjoying as a sweet snack. The sticks are typically made from a buttery and slightly sweet cookie dough and are decorated with a drizzle of melted chocolate and festive sprinkles. The combination of flavors and textures makes these treats a favorite among both kids and adults during the holiday season.
Ingredients
To make chocolate drizzled Christmas cookie sticks, gather the following
ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Festive sprinkles for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create delicious chocolate
drizzled Christmas cookie sticks:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Dough into Sticks
Divide the cookie dough into smaller portions. Take each portion and roll it into a log shape, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place the sticks onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them for spreading during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Sticks
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookie sticks for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in short intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 5: Drizzle the Chocolate
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookie sticks. Be creative with your drizzle patterns, making them as thin or as thick as you desire.
Step 6: Decorate with Sprinkles
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle festive sprinkles over the chocolate-drizzled cookie sticks. This adds a cheerful touch to the cookies and enhances their holiday spirit.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To store your chocolate drizzled Christmas cookie sticks, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also wrap them individually in festive cellophane bags for gift-giving. Serve the cookie sticks alongside a cup of hot chocolate for a delightful pairing. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack or dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough by shaping it into
logs, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and placing them in a freezer-safe
bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the
drizzle?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred chocolate for
the drizzle, whether it's milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
Q: Can I add additional flavors, such as citrus zest or spices, to the
cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can experiment with adding citrus zest, such as
orange or lemon, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for
extra flavor.
Q: Can I use store-bought sprinkles instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought sprinkles to save time.
Choose festive colors and shapes that complement the holiday season.
Q: Can I make the cookie sticks in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the cookie sticks a day or two in
advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.