SAVE RECIPE

Soft Christmas Cookies are a timeless holiday treat, loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as gifts, these cookies are a delightful way to spread Christmas cheer. The combination of almond and vanilla extracts adds a delicate flavor, while the icing and sprinkles allow for creative decorations that bring the spirit of Christmas to your kitchen.

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Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 4 tablespoons milk

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in the milk to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the dough is firm and easy to roll out.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut Shapes

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls if using multiple food colors. Add food coloring as desired.

Step 9: Decorate

Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies. Top with sprinkles while the icing is still wet. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

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Variations

1. Spiced Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor.
2. Citrus Twist: Replace almond extract with orange or lemon extract for a zesty holiday touch.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-intolerant friends and family.

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Cooking Note

Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and serve with hot cocoa or eggnog.
• Wrap them in cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.

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Tips

• For perfectly even cookies, use rolling pin rings or guides.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant icing colors without altering the icing consistency.
• If you don’t have cookie cutters, use a glass or knife to create simple shapes.

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Prep Time:

20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)

Cooking Time:

10 minutes per batch

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 50mg

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FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking. Also, avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles well to make a larger batch for holiday gatherings.

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Conclusion

Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday staple, offering endless customization options for decorations and flavors. With this recipe, you can enjoy baking and sharing these treats with loved ones, making your holiday season even more magical. Whether for a cookie exchange or a cozy family gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

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