Get into the festive spirit with these delightful Soft Christmas Cookies! With their tender and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or gifting to friends and family. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts brings a unique flavor that is sure to impress. Plus, the colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making them a visual treat as well!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is simple, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Chewy: The soft texture combined with rich flavors creates an irresistible treat.
- Versatile for Gifting: These cookies are perfect for holiday exchanges or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
- Fun to Decorate: Kids will love helping out with the sprinkles, making baking a joyful family activity.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for Christmas, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Soft Christmas Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, ensuring your cookies come off easily without breaking.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For Decoration
- 1 ½ cups festive sprinkles
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat:
1. Unsalted butter (softened)
2. White sugar
Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in:
1. Egg
2. Vanilla extract
3. Almond extract
Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the festive sprinkles using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these Soft Christmas Cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container!
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies
Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family night, there are many delightful ways to enjoy these treats.
Gift Boxes
- Create beautiful gift boxes filled with your Soft Christmas Cookies. Use colorful wrapping and ribbons to make them festive and appealing.
Cookie Platters
- Arrange a platter of Soft Christmas Cookies alongside other holiday sweets for a stunning dessert table that guests will love.
Warm with Milk
- Serve your cookies warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk. The combination is comforting and nostalgic, perfect for all ages.
Decorated for Kids
- Let the kids decorate their own Soft Christmas Cookies using icing and extra sprinkles. This fun activity adds a personal touch to each cookie.
As Party Favors
- Package individual Soft Christmas Cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons as party favors for your guests to take home.
How to Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies
Making the perfect Soft Christmas Cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and sprinkles.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
- Store Properly: Store your Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and chewy longer.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Christmas Cookies
Soft Christmas Cookies can pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your festive experience. These options are great complements to your holiday cookie platter.
- Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly with Soft Christmas Cookies, creating a cozy treat.
- Eggnog: The creamy texture of eggnog contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookies, making it a classic holiday beverage choice.
- Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider adds a fruity, spiced note that complements the flavors of the cookies nicely.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter adds freshness and balance to your dessert spread—consider including seasonal fruits like pomegranates and citrus.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can provide savory contrast alongside sweets, adding richness to your holiday gatherings.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes for those who want more than just cookies—keep them festive with holiday decorations.
- Nuts & Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and natural sweetness that pairs well with soft textures.
- Popcorn Bar: Set up a popcorn bar with different toppings for guests to customize their own holiday snack mix alongside the cookies!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Soft Christmas Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, making it difficult to achieve the light and fluffy texture essential for Soft Christmas Cookies. Always use softened butter for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix until just combined for that perfect texture.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Incorrectly measured flour can result in dry or dense cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for precise measurements.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on the sheet can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and perfect cookies.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to maintain their shape.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft Christmas Cookies
- You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months.
- Use an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Layer with parchment paper if stacking to avoid breakage.
Reheating Soft Christmas Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds, but don’t overdo it as they may become tough.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Soft Christmas Cookies so special?
Soft Christmas Cookies are loved for their tender texture and delightful flavors, making them a favorite during the holiday season.
Can I customize my Soft Christmas Cookies?
Yes! You can add different types of sprinkles, nuts, or even chocolate chips to create your unique version of these festive treats.
How do I know when my Soft Christmas Cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges; they should still appear soft in the center as they’ll firm up while cooling.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, using unsalted butter is recommended for better flavor and texture in your Soft Christmas Cookies.
How should I store leftover Soft Christmas Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! With their chewy texture and festive colors, they are perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or gifting. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or decorations. Try this recipe today and spread some holiday cheer!
[DESERTS]
Soft Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Get into the festive spirit with Soft Christmas Cookies, a delightful treat that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. These cookies are tender and chewy, making them ideal for sharing at gatherings or gifting to friends and family. The harmonious blend of vanilla and almond extracts offers a unique flavor profile that will impress everyone. With colorful sprinkles adorning these cookies, they not only taste great but also look festive on any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups festive sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in festive sprinkles.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cooling on sheets briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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