Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

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If you’re longing for a cozy and delightful holiday treat, this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly tender, lightly sweet, and melts in your mouth with every chew. These festive cookies bring together simple ingredients with a magical touch of vanilla and almond, creating that ideal soft texture you crave during the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these Soft Christmas Cookies will soon become a heartwarming tradition you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting that soft, delectable cookie you’re about to enjoy. From the flour that forms the base, to the butter that ensures richness, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour (3 ¾ cups): The sturdy foundation that gives the cookies their structure without being heavy.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and stay soft, giving them a slight puffiness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds rich creaminess and helps the cookies stay tender.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens without weighing the dough down, creating a fine crumb.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and offer moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Almond extract (½ teaspoon): A subtle, nutty hint that makes these cookies uniquely festive.
• Milk (4 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist, ensuring a light, tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the smooth, sweet icing on top.
• Milk (4 tablespoons for icing): Thins the icing to a perfect spreading consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for icing): Enhances the creamy sweetness of your glaze.
• Food coloring and sprinkles (optional): Add cheerful colors and sparkle to your festive creations.

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This little prep step sets you up for baking success and keeps everything smooth from start to finish.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is key to consistent, soft cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process not only blends the two but incorporates air, which helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we love in soft Christmas cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. These are the flavor heroes of your dough, offering richness, moisture, and a delightful aromatic blend that’s unmistakably festive.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, adding the milk alternatingly. If your dough feels too sticky to handle, chilling it for about 30 minutes will make rolling so much easier without compromising softness.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. This thickness helps keep the cookies soft and tender after baking. Use your favorite festive cookie cutters to create shapes that bring holiday cheer to your kitchen and dining table.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The key here is not to overbake—taking them out while they’re still soft ensures that tender bite you’re aiming for. Let them cool on the baking sheets briefly before moving them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Icing

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth, glossy icing. Feel free to add food coloring to make the cookies pop with festive hues—red, green, white, or any joyful shade you love.

Step 9: Decorate

Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to decorate! Spread or pipe the icing generously, then add sprinkles for a joyful, celebratory finish that will light up any holiday spread.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the classic go-to for a delightful pop of color and crunchy texture on these soft beauties. You can also try edible glitter or finely chopped nuts for an elegant touch that adds both visual appeal and a little extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Soft Christmas Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate, creamy eggnog, or a classic glass of cold milk. These combos elevate the experience and make snack time feel extra special during your holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging these cookies on a festive platter with fresh holly, cinnamon sticks, or even alongside a small bowl of warm caramel or chocolate dipping sauce. Wrapping a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon also makes for a perfect homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your extra cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment or wax paper if stacking to avoid sticking. Proper storage preserves their soft texture for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies before or after baking! To freeze dough, shape it and place it on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep their softness and flavor for several months.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked softness, warm your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until slightly warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor balance.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract or leave it out. Almond extract adds a subtle festive aroma but isn’t essential for the cookie’s softness or sweetness.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

About ¼-inch thick is ideal. Thinner dough will bake crispier, while thicker dough ensures the classic soft, tender texture you expect from this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

While the recipe relies on all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out hard?

Overbaking is the most common culprit. Pull them out when the edges just barely start to turn golden, and they will stay soft as they cool. Also, chilling the dough helps maintain softness during baking.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is truly a joyful experience filled with warmth, fun, and that unbeatable holiday spirit. These cookies bring a beautiful softness and flavor that’s impossible not to love, making every bite feel like a little celebration. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your favorite festive tradition to share with friends and family year after year!

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