Whether you’re heading to a cookie exchange, packing treats for an office party, or just want to surprise a neighbor with something festive, these Poinsettia Cookies check every box. They look fancy (like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen), but they’re simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.
And if you’re like me and appreciate anything that looks impressive but doesn’t require a culinary degree, you’re going to love these. The bright red “petals,” chocolate center, and buttery cookie base make them a hit every single time.
Here’s how to make a batch for your next holiday gathering… and add a pretty poinsettia on the buffet with them.
Poinsettia Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but delicious!)
For the Poinsettia Decoration
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Red frosting (from the store or homemade)
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Green frosting (store-bought or homemade)
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Mini chocolate chips, chocolate pearls, or yellow sprinkles for the centers
Instructions
1. Make the Cookies
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
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Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract and mix until combined.
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Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon balls, place on cookie sheet, and slightly flatten the tops.
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Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but not browned.
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Let cool completely before decorating.
2. Decorate the Poinsettias
Red Frosting “Petals”
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Use a small leaf tip (Wilton #352) or snip a narrow V-shape in your piping bag.
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Pipe red petals around the top of the cookie.
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Add a few small green leaves for contrast.
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Finish with yellow sprinkles or a chocolate center.
Tips:
- If bringing to a party, package them in a holiday tin with a sprig of rosemary tucked inside for fragrance.
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Want them extra almond-y? Add a drop of almond extract to the red frosting.
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Kids love helping decorate these — no two poinsettias look alike!
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Looks good! My grandmother keeps her poinsettias year round in her basement (near a window) and brings them out for the holidays. It’s not Christmas without them!