Name: Advent Calendar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491157H55M54S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Royal icing or glaze, for decorating; Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

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Advent calendar cookies are festive, buttery treats designed to bring a little joy each day in December leading up to Christmas. I love baking a batch of 24 mini cookies and packaging them as part of a DIY advent calendar—each one a sweet daily countdown to the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that these cookies are both an activity and a treat. They’re fun to make with kids or on my own, and decorating each cookie gives me a chance to get creative. Plus, the cookies themselves are buttery, crisp, and perfect for icing or sprinkles. They’re ideal for gifting or adding a homemade touch to the season. Advent Calendar Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
Baking powder
Salt
Royal icing or glaze (for decorating)
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Directions

I cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
I add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, I whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
I divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Once chilled, I roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out small festive shapes—ideally 1–2 inches wide for advent-size cookies.
I place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just golden.
I let them cool completely before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible markers for numbers 1 through 24.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30–40 small cookies, depending on the size of the cutters. It takes 20 minutes to prep, 1 hour to chill, and 8–10 minutes to bake.

Variations

I like to add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday flavor.
I sometimes use lemon or orange zest in the dough for a citrus twist.
For a chocolate version, I swap out a bit of the flour with cocoa powder.
I also make these with gingerbread dough when I want a spicier flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If I’m making them ahead, I freeze the undecorated cookies and decorate them later. They thaw quickly at room temperature. Advent Calendar Cookies

FAQs

How do I make the numbers on each cookie?

I use royal icing, food-safe pens, or edible transfers to write the numbers 1 through 24.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, I freeze the baked (undecorated) cookies in layers between parchment for up to 2 months.

What’s the best icing for decorating?

Royal icing works best for clean lines and lasting decoration. Glaze icing also works if I want something simpler.

Can I use cookie stamps?

Absolutely. I’ve used stamps for numbers or holiday designs—they hold up well during baking.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely. I let them help with mixing, cutting, and especially decorating—it’s a fun holiday activity.

Conclusion

Advent calendar cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a festive tradition that brings daily joy throughout December. Whether I’m baking them for my family or gifting them to friends, these little cookies always bring big smiles.