As the holiday season approaches in Nigeria, the air fills with the sweet aroma of baking and the warmth of festive cheer. While Christmas cookies might not be a traditional Nigerian treat, the concept of sharing homemade goodies during the holidays is universal. By combining classic cookie recipes with beloved Nigerian flavors, we can create unique and delicious edible gifts that celebrate both global Christmas traditions and the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for gifting to friends and family in Nigeria.
1. Nigerian Coconut Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, coconut, salt, and baking powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
7. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool on a wire rack before packaging.
2. Peanut Butter Chin-Chin Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
7. Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
9. Cool on a wire rack before packaging.
3. Spiced Plantain Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed ripe plantain (about 2 medium plantains)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the mashed plantain, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Drop spoonful of dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
8. Cool on a wire rack before packaging.
4. Ginger Suya Shortbread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp suya spice (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, suya spice, ginger, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool on a wire rack before packaging.
5. Hibiscus (Zobo) Thumbprint Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup hibiscus (zobo) jam
For the Hibiscus (Zobo) Jam:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions for the Jam:
1. Boil hibiscus flowers in water for 15 minutes, then strain.
2. Add sugar and lemon juice to the liquid and simmer until thickened.
3. Cool completely before using.
Instructions for the Cookies:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie.
7. Fill each indentation with a small amount of hibiscus jam.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool on a wire rack before packaging.
Packaging and Gifting Tips
1. Use airtight containers or cellophane bags to keep the cookies fresh.
2. Decorate your packaging with festive ribbons, Nigerian-inspired fabrics, or hand-written tags.
3. Include a mix of different cookies in each gift for variety.
4. Attach a recipe card so recipients can recreate their favourite cookies.
5. For a personal touch, include a heartfelt note expressing your holiday wishes.
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These unique Christmas cookie recipes blend the best of Nigerian flavors with beloved holiday traditions, creating perfect edible gifts for the festive season. By incorporating local ingredients like plantains, suya spice, and hibiscus flowers, these cookies offer a taste of home while still embracing the global tradition of Christmas baking. Whether you’re gifting to family, friends, or colleagues, these delicious and thoughtful treats are sure to spread joy and sweetness throughout the holiday season in Nigeria