Name: Soft Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.; 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.; ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and adds structure.; 2 large eggs – Binds and adds moisture.; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor.; ½ teaspoon almond extract – Enhances the Christmas cookie vibe with a subtle nutty note.; 4 tablespoons milk – Adds moisture to create a smooth, pliable dough.; For the Icing:; 2 cups powdered sugar – Ensures a smooth, sweet icing.; 4 tablespoons milk – Creates the perfect consistency for icing.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor depth to the icing.; Food coloring and sprinkles (optional) – Adds festive flair and makes each cookie unique!

Hello, holiday bakers! Are you ready to dive into a world of warmth and sweetness with our Soft Christmas Cookies? This delicious recipe encapsulates everything festive and cozy about the holidays. Imagine cookies that melt in your mouth, spreading joy with every delightful bite. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or whipping up treats to share, these Soft Christmas Cookies will fill your home with holiday cheer. Let’s make this season extra sweet with cookies that are as soft as snowflakes!

The beauty of these Soft Christmas Cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in their texture. They are perfectly soft, making them ideal for snuggling up to with a cup of hot cocoa as winter evenings roll in. With just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of almond extract, they truly embrace the spirit of the holidays. Plus, the icing adds a festive touch that makes each cookie not just a treat but a delightful work of art!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Incredibly Soft: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that leaves you wanting more.
Perfect for Decorating: The blank canvas of these cookies is just waiting for your personal icing touch!
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is an enjoyable experience for bakers of all levels.
Great for Sharing: Pack them up and give them to neighbors, friends, or take them to holiday gatherings!
Customizable: You can easily adapt the flavors and decorations to suit your personal taste or occasion.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on your cookie baking adventure, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace for success. Start by gathering the necessary ingredients and tools. You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons, a whisk, and a rolling pin. A cookie cutter set with various festive shapes will allow you to create a dazzling array of cookies.

Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking. Ensuring your butter is softened at room temperature is crucial for a creamy mixture; plan ahead so that this step is seamless.

Ingredients

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – The secret to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and adds structure.
2 large eggs – Binds and adds moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor.
½ teaspoon almond extract – Enhances the Christmas cookie vibe with a subtle nutty note.
4 tablespoons milk – Adds moisture to create a smooth, pliable dough.
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar – Ensures a smooth, sweet icing.
4 tablespoons milk – Creates the perfect consistency for icing.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor depth to the icing.
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional) – Adds festive flair and makes each cookie unique!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cookies get the perfect bake. While the oven is heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations and make cleanup hassle-free.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together well. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, allowing your cookies to rise evenly and achieve that coveted soft texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Take a large mixing bowl and start creaming the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer is ideal, but you can certainly do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The creamy consistency you create here is key to achieving soft cookies.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Once the butter and sugar are perfectly combined, it’s time to add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat these into the mixture until they’re fully incorporated. This will create a rich flavor base, and the addition of almond will infuse a festive warmth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Alternate this with the addition of the milk. Mixing it gradually helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth cookie dough. If at any point the dough feels overly sticky, simply cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to work with.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. This is the perfect thickness for cookies that are soft yet have enough structure to hold their shape. Use festive cookie cutters to create your desired shapes—think stars, trees, or delightful snowflakes!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the cut cookies on your prepared baking sheets, giving them enough space to allow for slight spreading during baking. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing and Decorate

While your cookies cool, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and spreadable. If you’d like to add some color, this is the moment to include food coloring. After your cookies have cooled completely, take them to the next level by spreading or piping the icing on top. Feel free to decorate with sprinkles for that extra holiday flair!

Variations

Protein: Mix in some white chocolate chips or even dried cranberries for a festive touch and flavor boost!
Vegetables: Add finely grated carrots or zucchini for a hint of extra moisture and a boost of nutrition.
Spices: Consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice flavor that complements the sweetness.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dry cookies, so using the spoon-and-level method is recommended.
Be cautious not to overbake your cookies. They should remain soft and just lightly golden at the edges when you take them out of the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Soft Christmas Cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage for the ultimate festive experience.
Consider packaging some cookies in a decorative box as a thoughtful holiday gift for friends or family.

Tips

For leveling up your decorating game, try using different piping tips for your icing to create beautiful designs.
If you want to create an array of colors, divide the icing into separate bowls and add different food colorings to each—let your creativity shine!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 50mg

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.

How should I store the cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week but are best enjoyed fresh!

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, unsalted butter will yield the best flavor and texture in your cookies.

What can I substitute for milk in the icing?

If you’re out of milk, water can work as a substitute, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

In summary, our Soft Christmas Cookies are the ideal holiday treat that will elevate your festive celebrations. With their soft, buttery texture and delightful flavors, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Encourage your family and friends to join you in baking them, creating wonderful memories along with delicious cookies. Don’t forget to get creative with your icing decorations for that extra holiday spirit. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with joy, love, and of course, sweet treats!