15+ Christmas Cookie Recipe Without Vanilla Extract They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: Mar 10, 2024

Christmas is right around the corner, and that means it's time to start baking delicious treats for the holiday season. One of the most beloved treats during this time is Christmas cookies, but what if you don't have any vanilla extract on hand? Don't worry, you can still make mouthwatering cookies without it. In this article, we will share a Christmas cookie recipe without vanilla extract that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So put on your apron and get ready to bake some delicious cookies without vanilla extract.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Christmas Cookie

Main Ingredients: Baileys, Kahlua, Peppermint Schnapps, Decorator Sugar

Christmas Cookie Tray Ideas & Cookie Recipes — Sugar & Cloth

(Video) How to Decorate Christmas Cookies - Simple Designs for ...

The Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe (With Homemade Icing)

The holiday season is here and it's time to start thinking about all the delicious treats that come with it. One classic Christmas dessert that never goes out of style is the Christmas cookie. With endless flavor combinations and decorative options, it's no wonder this sweet treat is loved by all. But if you're looking for some new and unique cookie recipes to add to your holiday baking list, look no further. Here are the top 20 Christmas cookie recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family this holiday season.

2 of 20

Christmas Cookie Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Peppermint Schnapps, Kahlua, Carolans Irish Cream

Christmas Cookie cocktail recipe | Mix That Drink

Cookie Cocktails {Guest Blogger} (With images) | Christmas drinks ...

If you're in the mood for a festive drink this holiday season, why not combine two holiday favorites - cookies and cocktails? This Christmas cookie cocktail is a sweet and creamy concoction that will have you feeling the holiday cheer in no time. With a mix of vanilla vodka, Bailey's, and amaretto, it's like drinking a cookie in a glass. Top it off with some crushed cookies and a candy cane for a whimsical touch.

3 of 20

Christmas Crack

Main Ingredients: Saltine Crackers, Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Dark

Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Toffee) - Mom On Timeout

Best Christmas Crack Recipe (Saltine Cracker Toffee) | The Recipe Critic

Don't let the name fool you, this Christmas crack is highly addictive and will have you coming back for more. It's a simple recipe with only a few ingredients, but the end result is a deliciously sweet and salty treat. Start with a base of saltine crackers, then pour over a homemade toffee mixture and top it all off with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles. Trust us, this will be a hit at any holiday gathering.

4 of 20

Christmas Morning Wife Saver

Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper

Christmas Morning Wife Saver - Made With Pink | Wife saver breakfast ...

Christmas Morning Casserole (Wife Saver) - Food Meanderings

Christmas morning can get hectic with all the gift opening and excitement, so having an easy breakfast option is a must. This Christmas morning wife saver is a make-ahead casserole that will save you time in the morning and still satisfy everyone's hunger. With layers of bread, ham, cheese, and a savory egg mixture, this dish will be a hit with the whole family.

5 of 20

Christmas Salad

Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Pomegranate Arils, Chopped

Best Christmas Salad Recipe {Super Easy!} - Simply Stacie

Christmas Dinner Jelly Salad / These Christmas Salad Recipes Are a ...

Who says salads have to be boring? This Christmas salad is anything but, with a mix of fresh greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pecans. Topped off with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, this salad is not only festive but also healthy and delicious.

6 of 20

Christmas Crack

Main Ingredients: Puffed Corn, White Almond Bark, M M S Candy, Pretzels

If you're looking for the perfect all-around Christmas cookie, this is it. This ultimate Christmas cookie is a combination of all the classic flavors - chocolate, cranberry, and pecan. Not only is it a tasty treat, but it's also a beautiful addition to any cookie platter with its colorful sprinkles and drizzled white chocolate on top.

7 of 20

The Ultimate Christmas Cookie

Main Ingredients: Sugar Cookies, Candy Canes, Powdered Sugar, Egg Nog

12 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes (Perfect for Holiday Baking!) on Love ...

The Ultimate Christmas Cookie Guide | Christmas cookies, Cookies ...

The Ultimate Collection of 85 Christmas Cookie Recipes - In The ...

Best Homemade Cookie Recipe, Basic Butter Cookies Recipe, Best ...

When it comes to holiday parties, having a festive drink option is a must. This Christmas punch is a refreshing and fruity option that will have your guests going back for seconds. With a blend of cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale, it's the perfect mix of sweet and tart. Add some fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a beautiful presentation.

8 of 20

Christmas Punch

Main Ingredients: Orange, Cranberries, Pomegranate Seeds, Cranberry

Simple Holiday Punch Recipe - I Heart Nap Time

Christmas Punch recipe (non-alcoholic) - Boulder Locavore

Another make-ahead breakfast option for busy Christmas mornings is this breakfast casserole. With layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and a rich and creamy egg mixture, this dish will fill you up and keep you satisfied until the big holiday dinner. Plus, it's so easy to customize with your favorite breakfast ingredients.

9 of 20

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Frozen

Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage - The Food Charlatan

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE - StoneGable

10 Breakfast Casseroles for Christmas Morning | Kitchn

If you're looking for a quick and easy dessert option for your holiday party, these no-bake peppermint cookie truffles are the perfect solution. With only four ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch of these decadent truffles in no time. Plus, they make great gifts for friends and family.

10 of 20

No Bake Peppermint Cookie Truffles

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sandwich Cookies, Peppermint Extract

No Bake Lemon Cookie Truffles | Six Sisters' Stuff No Bake Truffles ...

No Bake Christmas Peppermint Patties | Recipe | Peppermint patties ...

Sugar Cookie Truffles | Recipe in 2020 | No bake sugar cookies, Cookies ...

Lemon Truffles at the36thavenue.com Yummy Smoothie Recipes, Lemon ...

If you're in the mood for something a little more unique this holiday season, why not try out these Hungarian Christmas cookies? These apricot kolaches are a buttery and flaky pastry filled with a sweet and tangy apricot filling. They may take a bit more time to make, but the end result is worth it.

11 of 20

Apricot Kolaches – An Hungarian Christmas Cookie

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter

The Best Ideas for Hungarian Christmas Cookies – Most Popular Ideas of ...

Traditional Hungarian Apricot Kolaches - Lord Byron's Kitchen

Christmas cookies Apricot Kolaches Christmas Cookie Exchange, Best ...

Christmas morning isn't complete without some sweet treats to enjoy while opening presents. These Christmas morning treats are a combination of buttery croissants, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze. They're so easy to make and taste like a cross between a cinnamon roll and a danish - perfect for a special holiday breakfast.

12 of 20

Christmas Morning Treats!

Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits, Butter, Maple Syrup

Christmas Cornflake Wreaths | Christmas breakfast, Christmas treats ...

クリスマスの朝はこれで目覚めたい。かわいいモーニングいろいろ | STYLE4 Design

I will admit to cheating most the time on the recipe. Presley is just ...

Sugar cookies are a classic Christmas treat, but why not switch things up a bit with these sugar cookie blossoms? These cookies are rolled in festive sprinkles before baking and topped with a Hershey's kiss for a cute and colorful addition to your cookie platter.

13 of 20

Christmas Sugar Cookie Blossoms

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Lemon Extract, Lemon Zest

Festive Sugar Cookie Blossoms • www.knifeandpaddle.com Christmas Cookie ...

Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Blossom Cookies {Dairy-Free Option} - Mama ...

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Blossoms | Recipe | Chocolate sugar cookies ...

For a truly traditional Christmas dessert, try making this Christmas figgy pudding. It may sound a bit strange, but it's actually a deliciously moist and fruity cake that is often served during the holiday season in England. Top it off with some brandy cream sauce for an extra special touch.

14 of 20

Christmas Figgy Pudding

Main Ingredients: Dried Figs, Pitted Dates, Water, Baking Soda, Butter

Figgy Pudding For The Christmas Table - Eat, Bake, and Travel

Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding) - The Daring Gourmet

26 Christmas pudding recipes - delicious. magazine

Figgy Pudding & Such | Figgy pudding, Christmas traditions, Holiday ...

If you're short on time but still want to serve a festive drink at your holiday party, this easy Christmas punch is the perfect solution. With only three ingredients - cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of lime juice - it's easy to make and so refreshing. Plus, you can add some cranberries and mint leaves for a beautiful garnish.

15 of 20

Easy Christmas Punch

Main Ingredients: Cranberry Juice, Fresh Orange Juice, Apple Cider

Christmas Punch Recipe (Boozy or Not!) - Sugar and Soul

Christmas Punch Recipe (Boozy or Not) | Sugar & Soul

Jello shots are a fun and festive addition to any party, and these Christmas cookie jello shots are no exception. They're made with a mix of vanilla pudding, vodka, and amaretto for a creamy and boozy treat. Plus, they're topped off with some crushed cookies for that cookie flavor we all love.

16 of 20

Christmas Cookie Jello Shots

Main Ingredients: Water, Unflavored Gelatin, Butterscotch Liqueur, Cream

Christmas Sugar Cookie Jello Shots - Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

60 Christmas Jello Shots - Recipes for Holiday and Thanksgiving Jell-o ...

Christmas Cookie Jello Shots – Snacks and Sips

30 Perfectly Boozy Holiday Jello Shot Ideas | Of Life and Lisa

If you're short on time and ingredients, these 3-ingredient Christmas Oreo cookie balls are the perfect solution. All you need is Oreos, cream cheese, and white chocolate for a deliciously simple dessert. Plus, you can decorate them with some red and green candy melts for a festive touch.

17 of 20

3 ingredient Christmas Oreo Cookie Balls {An Easy...

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Oreo R Cookies, Semi Sweet Baking Chocolate

No Bake Oreo Balls (Just 3 Ingredients!) • Craving Some Creativity

Easy No Bake Oreo Cookie Balls Recipe with Video (Only 3 Ingredients!)

OREO Cookie Balls Holiday Ornaments | Oreo cookie balls, Oreo cookies ...

Another unique Christmas cookie to add to your baking list is this Danish Christmas cardamom cookie. The addition of cardamom gives these cookies a warm and spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Don't forget to top them off with some powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

18 of 20

Danish Christmas Cardamom Cookie

Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Sugar, Cardamom, Flour, Ground Almonds

Danish Christmas cookies grandma made these too wow now I can have it ...

Swedish Cinnamon-and-Cardamom Bread in 2020 | Cardamom recipe, Cardamom ...

This Christmas tree pull-apart bread is not only delicious but also a fun and interactive treat for the whole family. Made with refrigerated biscuit dough and a mix of savory herbs and cheese, it's sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Plus, it looks like a festive Christmas tree when it's all put together.

19 of 20

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart

Main Ingredients: Pizza Crust, Cream Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Pull-Apart Christmas Tree – Edible Crafts

Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread Party Appetizer - The Suburban Mom

Christmas Tree Pull Apart Cupcake Cake - DailyBestRecipes

Eclectic Recipes » Christmas Tree Pull-Apart

For the main event of your Christmas dinner, why not go all out with a delicious prime rib? This recipe is simple but oh so flavorful, with a blend of herbs and spices rubbed onto the meat before roasting. It's a show-stopping dish that will impress all your guests.

20 of 20

Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner

Main Ingredients: Standing Rib Roast, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Freshly

Best Prime Rib Roast Recipe {How to Cook Prime Rib in the Oven}

21 Ideas for Sides for Prime Rib Christmas Dinner – Most Popular Ideas ...

Prime Rib Dinner Ideas / Christmas Ribeye Roast Dinner | Pomai Test ...

Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner. Cook at 500 degrees for 5 minutes per ...

We're ending this list with another Christmas morning wife saver recipe, but this one has a delicious twist. This version is made with croissants, ham, and Swiss cheese, but the real star of the show is the cranberry orange cream cheese spread that goes on top. It's a sweet and tangy addition that takes this dish to the next level.

The Secret Ingredient: Almond Extract

Why is vanilla extract used in cookies?

Before we dive into the recipe, it's important to understand why vanilla extract is commonly used in cookies. Vanilla extract is added for its distinct flavor and aroma, which enhances the overall taste of the cookies. However, not everyone has this ingredient readily available in their pantry. But fear not, because there is a secret ingredient that can provide a similar flavor profile - almond extract.

Substituting Vanilla Extract with Almond Extract

To make up for the missing vanilla extract, we will be using almond extract in our Christmas cookie recipe. Almond extract has a similar flavor profile to vanilla extract and is often used as a substitute in baking. It has a nutty and slightly sweet taste, which pairs perfectly with the buttery and sugary flavors of Christmas cookies.

The Recipe

Now that you know the secret ingredient, let's move on to the recipe. For this Christmas cookie recipe without vanilla extract, you will need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add in the egg and almond extract, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool before decorating with icing or sprinkles.

Your Tastebuds Will Thank You

With this Christmas cookie recipe without vanilla extract, you won't even miss the traditional ingredient. The almond extract adds a delicious twist to the classic Christmas cookie flavors, making them even more irresistible. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and watch as your family and friends rave about your delicious cookies. Happy baking!

15+ christmas cookie recipe without vanilla extract They're simply irresistible!

Prime Rib for Christmas Dinner

yield: 4 total time: 65 minutes

5.0 Stars (5 reviews)

View Recipe

Ingredients

1 standing rib roast prime rib, 3 to 12 pounds, bones cut away from the roast and tied back to the roast with kitchen string, ask your…
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Recipe Direction

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest