Best Soft Christmas Cookies
The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home is one of the simplest joys of the holiday season. This recipe for soft Christmas cookies is not just any treat; it’s a delightful staple that brings a cozy, festive atmosphere to family gatherings and cookie exchanges alike. With their tender texture and ability to be beautifully decorated, these cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying throughout the season, making them a must on your holiday baking list.
Why you’ll love this dish
If you’re seeking a delightful way to celebrate the holidays, this recipe checks all the boxes. They’re soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of sweetness, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. What’s more, this dough can easily be made ahead of time and chilled, allowing for a stress-free baking session when friends and family drop by. Picture this: a plate piled high with these cookies, adorned with festive icing, ready for everyone to enjoy while the snowflakes fall outside! It’s pure holiday magic.
“These are the softest, most delicious cookies I’ve ever made! My kids love decorating them, and they disappear within minutes.” – A happy holiday baker
Preparing Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Ready to dive into the holiday spirit? This recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Here’s what to expect: you will mix the dry ingredients separately from the wet ones before combining them to create a soft, lush dough. Once chilled, you’ll scoop it onto a baking sheet, and in just a few minutes, your home will be filled with the warm scent of cookies baking. The result? Delicious, soft cookies that are perfect for decorating or simply enjoying warm out of the oven.
What you’ll need
Gather these items to get started on your festive baking adventure:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Festive icing for decoration (store-bought or homemade)
For those looking for substitutions, you can swap unsalted butter for margarine or use a sugar alternative as needed.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to help them maintain their shape while baking.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with festive icing and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Best ways to enjoy it
These soft Christmas cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’re also perfect for sharing at holiday parties. Consider making a festive cookie platter with variations in shape and decoration for a visually stunning display. Pair them with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a warm cup of spiced tea for an added treat. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, store the cookies in the freezer. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them in freezer bags or containers, where they can last for up to three months. Always remember to label your containers with the date made!
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, try using room temperature butter as it incorporates air better, leading to fluffier cookies. If you want your cookies to have a richer flavor, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the dry ingredients. Also, make sure your oven is properly preheated to avoid uneven baking.
Creative twists
Feel adventurous? Consider changing it up by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for variation in flavor. You could even swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist! Another idea is to create a gingerbread version by adding ground ginger and cinnamon to the mix.
Your questions answered
Q: How long do these cookies take to prepare?
A: You can expect to spend about 20 minutes preparing the dough, plus an hour of chilling time, and then another 8-10 minutes for baking.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure it is a 1:1 replacement for best results.
Q: How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolled dough and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
With these tips, tricks, and the detailed recipe, you’re all set to make the best soft Christmas cookies that are sure to spread holiday joy! Happy baking!
Soft Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to help them maintain their shape while baking.
- Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with festive icing and enjoy the holiday cheer!
