Introduction
Get ready to spread holiday cheer with these Soft Christmas Cookies! Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy baking day at home, these sweet treats will melt in your mouth and bring a smile to every face. The delightful combination of buttery goodness and fun decorations makes these cookies a true seasonal delight!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 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)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line up those baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to keep things fresh.
3. In a large bowl, cream that softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Next up, blend in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts until they’re best friends.
4. Gradually add your dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, blending until it’s a perfect dough. If it’s too sticky, pop it in the fridge for a 30-minute chill.
5. Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters and place them on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for about 6-8 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to chill out completely.
7. To whip up the icing, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add some food coloring if you’re feeling colorful! Once cooled, ice those cookies and sprinkle for some extra holiday magic.
Each serving packs a sweet little punch of about 120 calories, perfect for sharing the love without overindulging! Enjoy the festive spirit and the joy these Soft Christmas Cookies bring to your holiday celebrations!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure uniform distribution.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, blend in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Blend until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for about 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Icing
To make the icing, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. If desired, add food coloring to create vibrant colors. Once the cookies are completely cooled, ice them and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
Serving Size and Caloric Information
Each serving packs a sweet little punch of about 120 calories, making them perfect for sharing the love without overindulging.
Storage Tips
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies without icing, then decorate them when ready to serve.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to customize the cookies with different extracts, such as peppermint or lemon. You can also experiment with various sprinkles and edible decorations to match your holiday theme.
Cook techniques
Measuring Ingredients Accurately
To ensure your cookies come out perfectly, it’s important to measure your ingredients with precision. Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar for the best results, and make sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly to avoid packing.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
When creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise and become soft.
Chilling Dough
If the cookie dough is too sticky, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle. This also helps the flavors meld together and improves the texture of the cookies.
Rolling Out Dough
When rolling out the dough, make sure your surface and rolling pin are lightly floured to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness of about ¼-inch for uniform baking.
Baking Time
Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. They should be taken out of the oven once the edges are just lightly golden, as they will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed.
Icing Techniques
For decorating with icing, ensure the cookies are completely cool before applying. Use a piping bag for precision when icing and get creative with food coloring and sprinkles for a festive touch.
FAQ
Can I substitute the butter for margarine?
While you can use margarine, it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.
How can I make my cookies more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or by using high-quality extracts.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
How long do the iced cookies last?
Iced cookies can last up to one week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they are completely dry before stacking.
What type of food coloring works best for icing?
Gel food coloring is preferred for icing as it provides bright colors without changing the consistency of the icing.
Conclusion
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for spreading holiday cheer. With proper techniques and a little creativity, you can create sweet memories this festive season. Happy baking!
