Soft Christmas Cookies

There’s something magical about Soft Christmas Cookies—perfectly tender, beautifully decorated, and full of holiday cheer. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a festive favorite, combining buttery richness with hints of vanilla and almond.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with the family, or preparing treats for a cookie exchange, this recipe guarantees soft, fluffy cookies that will be a hit with everyone. Decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles to make your holiday season even sweeter!

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• Soft and Pillowy: A tender cookie base with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to Decorate: Perfect for adding your personal touch with icing and sprinkles.
• Holiday Classic: A must-have for Christmas celebrations and traditions.
• Customizable: Adjust flavors and decorations to match your style.

Exciting Story

The first time I made Soft Christmas Cookies, it was a cold December evening, and the kitchen was filled with the aroma of vanilla and sugar. My family gathered around the table, rolling out dough, cutting festive shapes, and decorating each cookie with colorful icing and sprinkles.

When the cookies came out of the oven, they were soft, warm, and irresistible. We couldn’t wait for the icing to set before sneaking a few! Now, it’s a yearly tradition—baking and decorating these cookies together brings us closer and makes the holidays extra special.

Why These Soft Christmas Cookies?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Foolproof Softness: The perfect balance of ingredients ensures a soft texture every time.
• Fun for All Ages: A great activity for kids and adults to enjoy together.
• Beautiful and Festive: Ideal for gifting, cookie platters, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the dough or bake the cookies in advance to save time.

What You Need for Soft Christmas Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Divide the icing into bowls and tint with food coloring, if desired.
2. Use piping bags, squeeze bottles, or a spoon to decorate the cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra festivity.

Tips for Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie shapes.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality vanilla and butter make a big difference in flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and milk with almond or oat milk.
• Different Flavors: Replace almond extract with peppermint, lemon, or orange extract for a unique twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute in the cookie dough and icing.
• Whole-Grain Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for added fiber.
• Low-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat butter or margarine.

Closing for Soft Christmas Cookies

And there you have it—Soft Christmas Cookies, a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift exchange, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Try them out, and let your creativity shine with colorful decorations. Happy baking, and don’t forget to explore more holiday recipes for inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions for Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. How do I store these cookies?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
3. Can I freeze baked cookies?
   Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer before storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
4. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
   Use royal icing, buttercream, or a simple glaze, and add sprinkles or edible glitter.
5. Can I skip the almond extract?
   Yes, substitute with more vanilla extract or another flavor of your choice.
6. How do I keep the cookies soft?
   Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
8. How do I make evenly thick cookies?
   Use rolling pin guides or thickness strips for consistent results.
9. What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
   Use the rim of a glass or shape the dough into circles by hand.
10. Can I add sprinkles before baking?
    Yes, sprinkle them on the unbaked cookies for a baked-in look.
11. What’s the best way to color the icing?
    Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades without altering the icing’s consistency.
12. Do I need to refrigerate decorated cookies?
    If using perishable toppings like cream cheese frosting, refrigerate. Otherwise, room temperature is fine.