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If you’re dreaming of a holiday treat that melts in your mouth and spreads joy with every bite, you’ve got to try this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a perfect blend of tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and festive charm, making them a shining star on any holiday cookie platter. They’re simple enough to whip up with basic pantry staples but feel utterly special when decorated with colorful sprinkles or a glossy glaze. Whether you’re baking to gift, share, or savor beside a cozy fire, these Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe will make your celebrations even sweeter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is straightforward, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and holiday spirit. From the rich butter that ensures softness to the almond extract that adds a hint of warm complexity, every element has a delicious job to do.
- All-purpose flour (3 ¾ cups): The sturdy base that gives these cookies their tender structure without weighing them down.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and creates a wonderfully soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the cookie and contributes to that classic crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough while adding moisture and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings out the warm, comforting flavors that remind you of holiday baking.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle, nutty warmth — a festive twist that’s a total game changer.
- Milk (4 tablespoons): Moistens the dough, keeping the cookies soft and tender.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): For the sweet, smooth glaze that adds a festive sheen and an extra layer of flavor.
- Milk for glaze (4 tablespoons): Thins the powdered sugar to a perfect consistency for drizzling or dipping.
- Vanilla extract for glaze (1 teaspoon): Infuses the glaze with a lovely subtle sweetness.
- Food coloring (optional): A fun way to customize your cookies with whatever holiday palette you love.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds a crunchy, colorful finish that makes these cookies truly festive.
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, which is key to achieving that consistent softness these cookies are known for.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this is where the magic starts. The air you incorporate here contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These extracts are the heart and soul of your cookie’s flavor, bringing just that perfect hint of holiday warmth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can toughen your dough. The result should be soft and easy to scoop.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing the cookies about two inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft — this delicate bake is what ensures the classic soft texture.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want, split the glaze and add food coloring to create festive hues. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies or drizzle the glaze over them, then sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that extra holiday cheer.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to serve these cookies is with a beautiful glaze and sprinkles, but don’t hesitate to get creative. Little edible glitter, mini peppermint bits, or even finely chopped nuts can add flair and texture that elevates the cookie experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft Christmas cookies with a warm cup of cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or even spiced eggnog. These cozy companions enhance the festive atmosphere and complement the cookie’s soft sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe into a gift by stacking them neatly in a clear box tied with a velvet ribbon, or place them on a festive tiered platter surrounded by fresh pine sprigs—sometimes the presentation makes the treat feel that much more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture and prevent the cookies from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after glazing. If freezing unglazed, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, freeze with wax paper between layers for easy thawing. Just thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their softness, gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave a single cookie for about 10 seconds to refresh that melt-in-your-mouth charm.
FAQs
Can I use another type of flour instead of all-purpose?
For the best soft texture, all-purpose flour is recommended. However, if you need a gluten-free option, a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour can work, though the texture may vary slightly.
How long do these Soft Christmas Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly, these cookies stay deliciously soft for up to 4 days at room temperature. After that, they might begin to dry out, but reheating them can revive their softness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can even improve the flavor as the ingredients meld together. Just allow the dough to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Is almond extract necessary in this recipe?
While the almond extract isn’t mandatory, it adds a lovely warm and nutty depth that elevates the cookies to festive perfection. If you don’t have it, just increase the vanilla slightly, or feel free to experiment with other extracts like maple or orange.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough slightly if it feels too loose. Also, avoid over-baking as it can dry the cookies, causing them to lose that trademark soft texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about biting into a soft, sweet cookie that feels made with love, especially during the holidays. This Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is not only easy and reliable, but it also brings a little extra sparkle and comfort to your festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch, share it with friends and family, and discover why these cookies could quickly become your favorite holiday tradition.
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