Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Soft Christmas Cookies are a holiday classic, perfect for adding cheer to your celebrations. With their tender texture, festive shapes, and customizable decorations, these cookies are a favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cookie exchange, or a cozy evening at home, this recipe guarantees delicious results. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginner bakers and offer endless creative possibilities. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Cookies

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)

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (holiday-themed shapes recommended)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Icing piping bags or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later use.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl and beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined. If the dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.

5. Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut the dough into festive shapes. Transfer the shapes to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; this ensures your cookies stay soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls if using food coloring, and mix in a few drops of your desired colors.

8. Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or spatula to apply the icing. Add sprinkles or other decorative toppings while the icing is still wet. Let the icing set before storing or serving.

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Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature
   This ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough if Sticky
   Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and roll.
3. Don’t Overbake
   Remove cookies from the oven when the edges just begin to turn golden. Overbaking will make them crisp instead of soft.
4. Customize the Flavor
   Substitute the almond extract with peppermint or lemon extract for a twist on the classic flavor.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Warm Butter: Always start with softened butter, not melted, to achieve the right texture.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Chilling the dough prevents it from spreading too much during baking.
• Over-Rolling the Dough: Rolling too thin can result in overly crisp cookies.

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Storing and Freezing Soft Christmas Cookies

Storing:

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough or baked cookies.

• For dough: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For baked cookies: Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.

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Serving Suggestions for Soft Christmas Cookies

Arrange your cookies on a festive platter and pair them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a warm cup of tea. These cookies also make excellent gifts—stack them in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a ribbon, and add a holiday tag for a personal touch.

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FAQs About Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Check the label to ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

2. What can I use instead of almond extract?

You can replace almond extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I prevent the icing from running off the cookies?

Let the cookies cool completely before decorating, and ensure the icing is thick enough by adding more powdered sugar if needed.

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Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, combining classic flavors with creative decoration opportunities. This recipe is sure to become a family tradition you’ll treasure for years. Try it out today, and share the joy with loved ones.

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