Ah, the smell of cookies baking fills the home with warmth and joy, especially during the holiday season! Every year, as soon as I see the first snowflakes of December, I know it’s time to dig out my favorite cookie recipe: Best Soft Christmas Cookies. This delightful treat not only brings back fond memories of my childhood, when I would decorate cookies with my grandmother, but it also fills my home with sweet aromas that dance through the air.
What I truly love about these cookies is how soft and fluffy they are. They practically melt in your mouth! And let’s not forget about the decorating—this is the moment where creativity shines, and you can channel your inner artist. Whether you stick with classic white icing or go all out with vibrant colors and sprinkles, each cookie can turn into a festive masterpiece! So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s bake some magic together!
What’s in Best Soft Christmas Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of our cookies, providing the structure we need for that soft and fluffy texture. Make sure you’re using good-quality flour; it can make a world of difference!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both of these leavening agents help our cookies rise and achieve that soft, pillowy goodness we crave.
Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter so that I can control the saltiness. Plus, butter lends a richness that can’t be substituted!
Granulated Sugar: This is what gives our cookies the sweet factor and helps create that golden-brown color.
Egg: The egg binds everything together and adds moisture, ensuring our cookies don’t turn out dry.
Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer! This adds that sweet, comforting aroma we associate with baked treats.
Almond Extract (optional): For those extra festive vibes! Almond gives a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
Milk: Sometimes a little extra milk is needed for the perfect dough consistency.
For the Icing:
Powdered Sugar: This is our base for the icing, providing sweetness without the gritty texture of regular sugar.
Milk: Just a bit to create that smooth consistency for our icing.
Food Coloring: Get creative! Use red, green, or any holiday colors that inspire you.
Sprinkles: These are not mandatory, but who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle on their cookies?
Is Best Soft Christmas Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s keep it real—these cookies are a sweet indulgence, ideal for holiday celebrations. While they are definitely a treat, they can bring joy to the season in moderation.
Butter is high in saturated fat, so it’s good to enjoy these cookies occasionally. The use of whole ingredients, like real extracts, also adds a comforting richness to the experience. On the flip side, these cookies are mainly sugar and carbs, so if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, just remember that a little bit goes a long way in spreading holiday cheer!
Ingredients List
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for dough consistency)
– For the Icing:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Food coloring (red, green, etc.)
– Sprinkles (optional)
*Serves: About 24 cookies, depending on the size you cut them!
How to Make Best Soft Christmas Cookies?
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve a soft, workable dough.
5. Divide the dough into two halves, flatten each into a disc shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Icing:
10. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and adjust with more milk or powdered sugar for the desired consistency.
11. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
12. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and add sprinkles if desired.
Let the Holiday Cheer Begin!
Remember, allowing the cookies to cool completely is essential before icing; otherwise, the icing may melt away and ruin all your hard work! Once cooled, these beauties can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week—if they last that long!
So, dear friend, I encourage you to gather your loved ones and whip up a batch of these delightful cookies. Share your festive designs and spread the joy this holiday season. I can’t wait to hear about your cookie adventures! Happy baking!
