Soft Christmas Cookies

Introduction

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a batch of soft Christmas cookies in our home. Each year, I look forward to baking these delightful treats with my family, filling the kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked cookies and the sound of laughter as we decorate them together. The joy of rolling out dough, cutting it into festive shapes, and icing them to perfection is an annual tradition that brings us closer. These soft Christmas cookies are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to create cherished memories with loved ones. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a sweet treat for holiday gatherings, they never fail to delight.

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) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

1. Add Eggs and Extracts:

• Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until combined. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

1. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake 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 to cool completely.

1. Make the Icing:

• In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add food coloring if desired.

1. Decorate:

• Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the icing on top and decorate with sprinkles as desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 48 cookies
• Calories per Serving: 120 kcal

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve

• Serve the cookies on a decorative platter.
• Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
• Gift them in festive boxes or tins to share with friends and family.
• Arrange them at holiday parties as a delightful dessert option.
• Use them as a festive treat during holiday gatherings or cookie swaps.

Additional Tips

1. Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, don’t hesitate to chill it longer for easier rolling.
2. Cookie Cutters: Use a variety of festive shapes to make your cookies even more visually appealing.
3. Icing Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the icing to achieve your desired consistency—thicker for spreading and thinner for drizzling.
4. Sprinkle Selection: Get creative with your sprinkles! Consider holiday-themed colors or edible glitter.
5. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Soft Cookies: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version.
• Spice Cookies: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Fruit-Flavored Icing: Use lemon or orange juice instead of milk in the icing for a citrus twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Nutty Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Desserts: Serve as part of a dessert spread at holiday parties.
• Cookie Exchange: Perfect for cookie exchanges during the holiday season.
• Family Baking Activity: Engage children in the decorating process to create lasting memories.
• Charity Bake Sale: Ideal for selling at bake sales to support local charities.
• Post-Christmas Treats: Enjoy these cookies well after the holidays as a delightful snack.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Cookies: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. Slice and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain flavor balance.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
   They will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature in an airtight container.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the dough up to three days in advance and refrigerate it.
4. What if I don’t have almond extract?
   You can omit it or substitute it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Can I decorate the cookies before baking?
   It’s best to bake the cookies first and then decorate them once cooled.
6. What type of food coloring works best for icing?
   Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors without altering the icing consistency.
7. Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
   Yes, but make sure to package them carefully to avoid breakage.
8. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
   Whole wheat flour can be used, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing with all-purpose flour for a lighter result.
9. How can I make the icing thicker?
   Add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.
10. What is the best way to store leftover icing?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Rewhip before using.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they embody the spirit of the season with their delightful flavors and festive decorations. The joy of baking and decorating these cookies is a cherished tradition in many households, fostering connection and creativity. Whether you’re indulging in them yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer. With their soft texture and customizable icing, they are perfect for any celebration. So gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and create delicious memories with these soft Christmas cookies this holiday season!

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