Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Cooking method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get those baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Put it aside for now.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well blended.
- Gradually blend in the dry mixture, alternating with the milk; start and finish with the flour mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and space them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand, then sprinkle colored sugar on top for that holiday flair.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set, keeping the centers soft. Be careful—overbaking can cost you that delightful softness!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to serve Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Serving these cookies is half the fun! Present them on a festive plate with some seasonal decorations for a lovely touch. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for an indulgent treat. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider a cookie platter alongside other goodies like peppermint bark or gingerbread.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To enjoy these cookies later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. Always remember safe food handling practices!
Extra advice
Here are a few tips for perfecting this cookie recipe every time:
- Don’t skip the resting time for the dough; it helps the flavors meld.
- If you want even softer cookies, slightly underbake them. The residual heat will continue cooking them without drying them out.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for a personal touch!
Creative twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out half of the butter for applesauce for a lower-fat option. You can also change the sprinkle colors to match any holiday theme! Have fun mixing in different flavors, like orange zest for a citrus twist or white chocolate chips for creaminess.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for these cookies?
You can whip up the dough in about 15-20 minutes, and baking takes an additional 8-10 minutes per batch.
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes! You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
How long does the dough last in the fridge before baking?
The cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly!
Enjoy baking these delightful soft Christmas cookies and share the warmth of your kitchen with loved ones this holiday season!
Soft Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually blend in the dry mixture, alternating with the milk; start and finish with the flour mixture.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and space them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand, then sprinkle colored sugar on top.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just set, keeping the centers soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
