Soft Christmas Cookies

Introduction

Nothing brings the joy of the holiday season into your home like the smell of freshly baked cookies. This recipe for soft Christmas cookies has become a cherished tradition in my household. Every year, my family gathers around the kitchen, cutting the dough into festive shapes and eagerly decorating the cookies with icing and sprinkles. These cookies are soft, buttery, and sweet, making them the perfect treat to share with loved ones or to leave out for Santa. If you’re looking for a simple yet delightful holiday recipe, this is the one.

Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Cookies

Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are wonderfully soft on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, creating the perfect bite.
Customizable Decorations: The icing and sprinkles make these cookies as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Festive and Fun: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy baking day with your family.
Versatile Flavor: The hint of almond extract adds a festive touch, but you can substitute it with your favorite extract for a personalized twist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared and chilled in advance, making this recipe great for busy holiday schedules.

Ingredients

For the Cookies
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
4 tablespoons milk

For the Icing
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until well combined.

4. Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Roll and Shape
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into festive shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread men. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

7. Prepare the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring for vibrant holiday hues.

8. Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the icing onto the cookies. Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired. Let the icing set before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories per Serving: 120 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies

Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings
Pack them in decorative tins for a thoughtful gift
Serve with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate
Use them as a table centerpiece by placing them in a clear jar
Pair them with other holiday treats for a delightful dessert spread

Additional Tips for Success

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and high-quality extracts make a noticeable difference in flavor
Prevent Overbaking: Bake until the edges are just golden for the softest texture
Decorate When Cool: Ensure cookies are completely cool before icing to prevent the frosting from melting
Experiment with Flavors: Substitute almond extract with peppermint or orange extract for a unique twist

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked and undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Decorate them after thawing.

3. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.

4. What other extracts can I use?
You can use peppermint, orange, or lemon extract for a festive variation.

5. How can I make the icing thicker?
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk works well as a substitute for regular milk.

7. Why is my dough sticky?
Sticky dough can result from warm butter or humid conditions. Chilling the dough will help.

8. Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, but the almond extract adds a festive flavor. You can replace it with more vanilla extract.

9. How do I prevent sticking while rolling the dough?
Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to avoid sticking.

10. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

This recipe for soft Christmas cookies is sure to become a holiday staple in your home. With a buttery texture, festive shapes, and vibrant decorations, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Share them with loved ones, gift them to friends, or enjoy them as a sweet treat for yourself. Happy baking!

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