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Let’s walk through how to make these Soft Christmas Cookies with step-by-step instructions that make baking a breeze.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even rise and consistent texture throughout each cookie.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Be sure the butter is softened, as this helps create a smooth, creamy consistency that’s essential for soft cookies.
4. Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. These add a rich flavor base, and the almond extract gives a hint of holiday warmth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to shape the dough into stars, trees, snowflakes, or any design you like!
7. Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Prepare the Icing and Decorate
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the icing on top and decorate with sprinkles.
Helpful Tips for Soft Christmas Cookies
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is sticky, chilling it makes rolling and cutting easier.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until edges are lightly golden for a soft, tender cookie.
- Use High-Quality Butter and Vanilla: The butter and vanilla are key to a rich flavor, so use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Cooking Tips for the Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and good-quality butter enhance flavor.
- Invest in Quality Cookie Cutters: Durable cookie cutters create cleaner shapes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs mix better, ensuring even texture.
Serving Suggestions for Soft Christmas Cookies
Serve these Soft Christmas Cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of cocoa, or a festive holiday cocktail. Arrange them on a decorative plate or a holiday-themed platter for added flair. Perfect for cookie exchanges or gift baskets, these cookies bring charm to any occasion!
Nutritional Information
These cookies are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation. Their butter content provides richness, while flour and sugar bring the classic sweetness you’d expect in a holiday cookie.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 3%
Calcium: 1%
Storage and Leftovers for Soft Christmas Cookies
To keep these Soft Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies (before icing) in an airtight container. To serve, allow them to come to room temperature, then decorate. For a quick snack, these cookies are delightful even when slightly chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Soft Christmas Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before rolling.
2. What can I substitute for almond extract?
You can omit the almond extract or replace it with a bit more vanilla if needed.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze them undecorated, then add icing and sprinkles when ready to serve.
4. How do I prevent cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading, which ensures that they hold their shape.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking these Soft Christmas Cookies during the holidays. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for decorating, making them a fun project for all ages. Try this recipe, and let us know how your cookies turn out! Do you have any unique decorating tips or flavor twists? Share them in the comments below. Enjoy this sweet holiday tradition!
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