Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two or three baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract. Beat again until the mixture is well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 4 tablespoons of milk. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will harden as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Icing

While the cookies are cooling, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring, if desired, to create different shades for decorating.

Step 9: Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the icing onto the cookies using a piping bag. Add festive sprinkles or other decorations to finish off your soft Christmas cookies.