Soft Christmas Cookies: The Best Holiday Treats to Bake Together Recipe
Introduction
These soft Christmas cookies are the perfect holiday treat to bake with family and friends. Tender, flavorful, and lightly sweetened, they bring festive joy with every bite. Whether topped with sprinkles or enjoyed plain, they’re sure to be a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Step 6: If using, gently fold in the sprinkles to add festive color.
- Step 7: Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For extra softness, do not overbake and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the dough.
- Swap almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrus twist.
- Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for more texture.
- Roll dough balls in colored sugar before baking for extra sparkle.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer warm cookies.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help enhance the flavors and make baking more convenient.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt content in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies.
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Soft Christmas Cookies: The Best Holiday Treats to Bake Together Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat to bake together with family and friends. These cookies are delightfully soft, subtly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, and optionally sprinkled with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Easy to prepare and bake, they bring warmth and joy to any holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Optional
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add egg and extracts: Incorporate the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in sprinkles: If desired, gently fold in the sprinkles to add festive color and texture to your cookie dough.
- Shape the cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked yet soft inside.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up and maintain their soft texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- For extra almond flavor, you can add a little more almond extract, but be careful as it can become overpowering.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a fun festive look; use vegan or gluten-free sprinkles if needed.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain softness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: soft Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, baked Christmas treats, festive cookies, easy holiday baking
