Every year, when the holiday season rolls around, I find myself drawn back to the kitchen to bake these Soft Christmas Cookies. They remind me of cozy family gatherings, the smell of freshly baked cookies, and the joy of decorating with loved ones. This recipe is perfect for bringing everyone together, creating memories as you bake, ice, and add sprinkles to these delightful treats. Whether you’re baking with kids, friends, or just enjoying some quality "me-time," these cookies are a holiday must-have. Let’s spread the festive spirit with these soft and melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies!
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
These cookies are incredibly soft with a delicate hint of vanilla and almond, making them the perfect base for a festive icing. The simple, classic flavor pairs perfectly with a sweet, decorative icing, allowing you to unleash your creativity with sprinkles and colors. Plus, they stay fresh and soft for days, making them ideal for gift-giving or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.
Recipe: Soft Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons milk
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Christmas sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and enhances the cookie’s texture.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each. Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies and add Christmas sprinkles before the icing sets.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
These Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect for serving with a hot drink, like cocoa or tea, during cozy evenings by the fireplace. They also make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.
Storage:
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you plan to freeze them, do so before decorating and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and ice them when ready to enjoy.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the Dough: This step is crucial to prevent the dough from spreading too much in the oven. It also improves the overall texture of the cookies.
- Icing Consistency: If your icing is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Customizing the Flavor: While vanilla and almond extracts are traditional, you can try other flavors like peppermint or orange extract for a unique twist.
FAQs
Q1: Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, you can leave out the almond extract if you prefer a purely vanilla-flavored cookie. The cookies will still taste delicious without it!
Q2: How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Thicker dough will result in softer, more cake-like cookies, while thinner dough will make them crispier.
Q3: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Q4: Can I use royal icing instead of the powdered sugar icing?
Absolutely! Royal icing works well if you want a more professional finish or intricate decorations on your cookies.
Q5: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure the mix contains xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat to make and enjoy with friends and family. The combination of buttery goodness, subtle hints of vanilla and almond, and festive decorations make them an instant holiday favorite. So, gather your loved ones, put on your favorite holiday music, and get baking! Happy holidays!
Soft Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 3 tablespoons milk
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring optional
- Christmas sprinkles optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and enhances the cookie’s texture.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Icing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each. Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies and add Christmas sprinkles before the icing sets.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling and better cookie shapes.
- Use different food coloring and sprinkles to customize your cookies for any holiday.
