Just The Bells Cookie Recipe: Holiday Spice in Every Bite

This cookie recipe captures the magic of the holidays in every bite. The warm spices and festive shape make it a must-bake for your seasonal gatherings.

With a tender texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, these treats bring joy to any dessert table. The dough comes together quickly, so you can start a new tradition this year.

Ingredients for Just the Bells Cookie

Warm spices and festive colors make these holiday cookies irresistibly cheerful and sweet.

The spices are what make this special. Penzeys has amazing cinnamon and cloves, but regular grocery store brands work fine too (just check the date). The butter needs to be softened—microwave it for 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry. I always use Land O’Lakes unsalted, but any good brand is fine. The flour should be spooned into the measuring cup, not scooped directly (that packs it down).

No bell pepper candy? Diced maraschino cherries work in a pinch for color and texture. Out of brown sugar? Use all granulated and add 1 tbsp molasses to get that moisture back. The food coloring is optional, but it really makes the bells pop. If you’re avoiding artificial dyes, natural beet juice gives a nice red (green is trickier).

Dough keeps 3 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen. Baked cookies stay fresh for 1 week in an airtight container. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months—perfect for holiday prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Just The Bells Cookies

Here’s how to make these festive cookies with that perfect holiday touch everyone will love.

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars for Perfect Texture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup Unsalted Butter with the 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar and 0.75 cup Brown Sugar on medium speed. I use an electric mixer for this—it makes the process faster and more consistent.

Cream them together for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale in color and has visibly increased in volume. This step incorporates air, which gives your cookies that perfect texture with crisp edges and a chewy center.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Add Color

Add the 1 whole Large Egg and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, then beat for another 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and slightly glossy.

Divide the dough in half. To one half, add the 0.5 tsp Red Food Coloring, and to the other, add the 0.5 tsp Green Food Coloring. Mix each portion just until the color is evenly distributed. Real talk: the colors will deepen slightly as the dough rests, so don’t overdo it.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Create Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg, 0.25 tsp Ground Cloves, 0.5 tsp Baking Soda, and 0.5 tsp Salt. These warm spices give the cookies their signature holiday flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to each colored dough portion, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see flour streaks. Then fold in the 0.5 cup Bell Pepper Candy by hand, distributing it evenly throughout both doughs.

The candy pieces will soften slightly during baking but maintain their festive bell shape, adding a sweet crunch to each bite.

Step 4: Chill Dough and Prep for Baking

Cover both dough portions with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. I prefer 2 hours if you have the time—this chilling period prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. When ready to bake, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Here’s the thing—you’ll alternate red and green dough balls to create a festive pattern.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers will still look slightly soft—that’s perfect. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The colors will be vibrant, and the spices will fill your kitchen with that irresistible holiday aroma. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of warm spices, sweet candy, and buttery cookie goodness.

Best Sauces and Condiments for This Recipe

Holiday Spice Glaze

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk and ½ tsp vanilla. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a sweet finish that complements the spices beautifully. 💫

Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat 4 oz cream cheese with 2 tbsp butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Spread between cooled cookies for a sandwich-style treat. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness perfectly.

Chocolate Dip

Melt 1 cup chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil for a glossy dip. Dip half of each cookie and sprinkle with crushed bell pepper candy. The chocolate adds richness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

Citrus Icing

Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp orange juice for a bright, zesty icing. Drizzle lightly over cookies for a refreshing contrast to the warm spices. The citrus cuts through the sweetness.

Caramel Drizzle

Warm ½ cup caramel sauce and drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. The caramel’s depth makes the holiday spices pop even more.

Frequently Asked Questions