10 special occasion Cookies from 1 Dough! – special occasion Cookie Box

Published: November 27, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile Variety: You can create ten different types of cookies from one dough, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze even for beginners.
Delicious Flavor: The buttery shortbread cookie base combined with various toppings and flavors guarantees a delightful taste experience.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for sharing during the holidays, making them great gifts in festive boxes or trays.
Fun Decorating: Get creative with decorations like sprinkles, chocolate, and food coloring to make each cookie unique.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results while baking your special occasion cookies, having the right tools is essential. Below are some must-have tools that will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for even baking of your cookies.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
Rolling pin: Helps flatten the dough evenly for consistent cookie sizes.

Ingredients

For the Base Dough

226 g Unsalted butter
90 g Powdered sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
290 g All-purpose flour
25 g Cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon Salt

For Additional Flavors and Decorations

200 g The base dough
10 g Milk
100 g The base dough
1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp Ginger powder
a pinch Clove powder
8 g All-purpose flour
15 g Molasses

Toppings and Add-ins

Some vegan marshmallows (for Santa bear cookies)
Some Sprinkles (forspecial occasion wreath and tree cookies)
Some Toasted nuts (for Stollen cookies)
Some Dried cranberries (for Stollen and star cookies)
Some Powdered sugar (for Stollen, snowball, and jam cookies)
Some Granulated sugar (for Stollen cookies)
Some White chocolate (forspecial occasion tree cookies)
Some Dark chocolate (for mini shortbread cookies)
Some Raspberry jam (for Jam cookies)
Some Mini chocolate chips (for Santa bear’s eyes and mini chocolate chip cookies)
Some Regular chocolate chip (for Santa bear’s nose)
Some Wrapping Ribbons (for wreath and present box cookies)
Some Red gel paste food coloring (for Santa bear’s hat)
Some Green and brown colorings (forspecial occasion wreath and tree cookies)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until combined.

Step 2: Divide the Dough

Once blended, divide the dough into portions based on how many different cookie types you want to create.
Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.

Step 3: Shape Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out each portion of dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick.
Use cookie cutters to shape your desired designs.

Step 4: Decorate Your Cookies

Depending on the specific type of cookie you’re making, add toppings like sprinkles or nuts before baking.
For decorated varieties like Santa bears orspecial occasion trees, use colored gel paste food coloring as needed.

Step 5: Bake

Place shaped cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on racks before decorating further if desired.
Package them in festive boxes or serve at your holiday gatherings!

Serving your homemade special occasion cookies is a delightful way to spread joy during the festive season. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your cookie box a hit at any holiday gathering!

Present a beautifully decorated box filled with an assortment of cookies. Use festive wrapping and include a personal note for a thoughtful gift.

Arrange various cookies on a decorative platter. Add some greenery or ornaments for a festive touch, making it perfect for parties.

Holiday Treat Bags

Fill small treat bags with individual cookies for guests to take home. This adds a personal touch and allows everyone to enjoy your treats later.

Stack cookies in the shape of a tree for an eye-catching centerpiece. This is not only fun but also makes for great photo opportunities.

Hot Chocolate Pairing

Serve your cookies alongside cups of rich hot chocolate. The combination is comforting and festive, ideal for chilly evenings.

Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and toppings. Guests can customize their cookies, adding an interactive element to your gathering.

Perfecting your special occasion cookie game is all about technique and creativity. Here are some tips to elevate your baking experience.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough before baking helps maintain the cookie shape and enhances flavor.
Measure Accurately – Use precise measurements, especially for flour, to achieve the desired texture in each cookie.
Experiment with Flavors – Don’t hesitate to add different spices or extracts to create unique variations of your base dough.
Rotate Baking Sheets – Halfway through baking, rotate the sheets for even cooking and browning across all cookies.
Cool Properly – Allow cookies to cool completely on racks before storing them to maintain their freshness and texture.

Complementing your festive cookie offerings with side dishes can create a well-rounded holiday spread. Here are some perfect pairings!

Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds color and balance to rich cookies.
Cheese Platter – Include assorted cheeses alongside crackers for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
Spiced Nuts – A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunchiness and pairs well with sweet flavors.
Mini Veggie Cups – Individual cups filled with fresh veggies and dip offer a healthy option amidst sugary treats.
Gingerbread Hot Cocoa – A warm beverage infused with gingerbread spices complements the cookies beautifully.
Caramel Popcorn – Sweet caramel popcorn creates a playful snack that everyone will enjoy alongside cookies.
Savory Scones – Offer savory scones as an alternative, providing guests with options beyond sweets.
Holiday Punch – A festive non-alcoholic punch can refresh guests while enhancing the holiday spirit at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking cookies, it’s easy to make some mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Boldly measuring ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dough that is too dry or too wet. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Boldly overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined and stop.
Boldly skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps flavors develop and prevents cookies from spreading too much. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.
Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, so it’s crucial to use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures for perfect baking.
Boldly using stale ingredients: Expired baking soda or old flour can ruin your cookies. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before using them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They will last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for freezing.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm. This keeps them crispy.
Microwave: Heat individually on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as they may become tough.
Stovetop: Place on a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes until warm. This method retains moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these festive treats, here are some frequently asked questions.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 40 two-inch cookies, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Can I customize the flavors of the cookies?

Absolutely! You can add different spices or extracts according to your preference, such as almond extract or citrus zest.

What types of decorations can I use?

You can use sprinkles, nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips for decoration. Get creative with your cookie designs!

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These cookies are great for gift boxes. Customize your packaging with ribbons and labels for a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

Making 10 special occasion Cookies from 1 Dough! – special occasion Cookie Box is both fun and versatile. These shortbread cookies offer a delightful base that you can customize with various flavors and toppings. Give it a try this holiday season, and enjoy sharing these festive treats with family and friends!

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