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Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies

These delightful Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for festive decorations, making them ideal for holiday gatherings and baking with family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar Brown sugar adds softness and moisture.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is fully softened.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs work best.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons hot water Used to dissolve baking soda.
  • 1/2 cup milk Whole milk is best for richness.
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For added vanilla flavor in frosting.
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted Sifted for a smoother frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar and softened butter until creamy and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
  5. Dissolve the baking soda in hot water, then incorporate it along with the milk into the butter-sugar mixture.
  6. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
Baking
  1. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart and flatten each slightly.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set and centers look slightly underbaked.
  3. Allow them to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar. Beat until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  3. Once cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe frosting onto each cookie and decorate as desired.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.