Christmas is a time for joy, family gatherings, and of course, festive baking! Nothing embodies the holiday spirit quite like soft Christmas cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for decorating with family or gifting to loved ones. With their pillowy texture and warm holiday flavors, these cookies are sure to become a family tradition.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons milk
For the Icing (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar for decorating
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing well to combine.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Continue until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to make it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Place the shapes 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Decorate
- Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and extract of your choice to create the icing. Add food coloring to match the holiday theme.
- Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles, glitter, or sugar as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Variations
- Gingerbread Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
- Citrus Twist: Replace the almond extract with orange or lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
- Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough to make it easier to handle and to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a festive plate alongside a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog.
- Pack them into holiday-themed tins or gift boxes for a thoughtful present.
- Serve them at Christmas parties or include them in dessert buffets.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
- Icing Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the icing by adding more powdered sugar (for thicker icing) or milk (for thinner icing).
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze decorated cookies for up to 1 month.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 75mg
FAQs
Q: Can I skip chilling the dough?
A: Chilling is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape and achieving a soft texture. Skipping it may result in flat cookies.
Q: How do I make the cookies chewier?
A: Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a chewier texture.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter provides a richer flavor, but margarine can be used. Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Conclusion
Soft Christmas cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their buttery flavor, soft texture, and endless decorating possibilities make them a favorite for all ages. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a festive treat for guests, these cookies bring holiday cheer in every bite. Try them this Christmas and create sweet memories that last a lifetim .
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including chilling time)
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons milk
For the Icing (Optional):
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing well to combine.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Continue until a smooth dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to make it easier to roll out.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Place the shapes 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Decorate
- Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and extract of your choice to create the icing. Add food coloring to match the holiday theme.
- Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles, glitter, or sugar as desired. Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough to make it easier to handle and to prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Protein: 2 g