Looking for a christmas cookie recipe the kids can help with? Jack’s Christmas Chocolate Biscuits are a lovely one to bake together over the festive season — rich chocolate cookies topped with a simple cocoa glaze and a scattering of Christmas sprinkles. They’re based on Nigella Lawson’s Christmas Chocolate Biscuits, and they have a cosy, homemade, slightly cracked look that makes them feel properly festive.
Here’s how Jack makes his.
Ingredients
Based on Nigella Lawson’s Christmas Chocolate Biscuits
- 250g soft butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 40g cocoa powder
- 300g plain flour
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the festive topping
- 2 x 15ml tablespoons cocoa powder
- 175g icing sugar
- 60ml boiling water, from a kettle
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Christmas sprinkles
- Smarties (optional)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C / 340°F / gas mark 3 and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until you have a light, soft, whipped mixture. Beat in the cocoa powder (sifting it first if it’s lumpy), then beat in the flour with the bicarbonate of soda and baking powder. Or put everything in a food processor and blitz, if you prefer.
3. This mixture is very soft and sticky, so it’s easiest to shape the cookies wearing disposable gloves. Pinch off pieces about a tablespoon in size, roll them into balls, then flatten slightly into fat discs as you place them, well spaced, on the baking sheet. You should get about 12 on at a time.
4. Bake each batch for 15 minutes. The cookies won’t feel fully set when they come out, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. They’ll look slightly cracked on top — that homespun look is part of the charm.
5. Move the baking sheet to a cold surface and leave it for 15 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack. Pop a sheet of newspaper or baking paper underneath to catch drips while you top them.
6. To make the topping, put the cocoa powder, icing sugar, boiling water and vanilla extract into a small saucepan and whisk over a low heat until smoothly combined. Take it off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
7. Once the cookies are cool, drizzle each one with a tablespoon of the chocolate glaze — this helps “glue” the sprinkles on. Use the back of the spoon to spread it a little; an uneven, dribbled look is part of the fun.
8. Ice about 6 cookies, then scatter over the Christmas sprinkles before icing the next batch. If you ice them all first, the cocoa “glue” will dry before you get to the sprinkles and they won’t stick.
If you’re not used to baking in grams, an online conversion table can help you switch between metric and cup measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?
Yes — you can make the dough, wrap it well, and keep it in the fridge for a day or two before rolling and baking. Let it come back to room temperature slightly if it’s very firm, so it’s easier to shape.
Can I freeze these biscuits?
Baked biscuits generally freeze well once fully cooled — layer them with baking paper in an airtight container. It’s best to add the glaze and sprinkles after defrosting rather than before freezing.
What can I use instead of Smarties?
Any small chocolate sweets, chocolate chips, or extra Christmas sprinkles work well if you don’t have Smarties to hand — it’s a flexible finishing touch.
Do I need a stand mixer to make these?
No — a hand mixer, a wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease, or a food processor will all work fine for creaming the butter and sugar and bringing the dough together.
Why are my biscuits cracked on top?
That’s completely normal for this recipe and part of their charm — the cracked, cozy look is exactly what you’re aiming for, not a sign anything went wrong.
You Might Also Enjoy
- Emma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 15 Easy Christmas Recipes
More Christmas Baking Ideas
Baking with kids over Christmas is as much about the mess and the memories as the finished biscuit. If this one goes down well, why not make it a regular thing and browse our other family-friendly Christmas recipes for more ideas to try together this season.
Don’t Miss Our Weekly Ideas
Want more easy recipes, activities and things to do with the kids delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly family ideas, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for even more inspiration.
