Soft Christmas Cookies

Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With their tender and chewy texture, these cookies are infused with delightful holiday flavors and adorned with colorful sprinkles. They are not only perfect for gifting but also a hit at any holiday gathering, making them a must-have addition to your festive baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cookie recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a unique flavor that is sure to impress.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, they are great for sharing at parties or giving as gifts.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Decorating these cookies with sprinkles makes baking a fun activity for kids during the holidays.
• Versatile Treats: You can easily customize these cookies by adding different mix-ins or changing the sprinkles.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Soft Christmas Cookies requires some essential tools to ensure success in the kitchen. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy texture by properly creaming the butter and sugar together.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment makes cleanup easier and prevents cookies from sticking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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
• 1 ½ cups festive sprinkles

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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 the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Baking powder
4. Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together:
1. The softened unsalted butter
2. The white sugar

Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Beat in one:
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, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the festive sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them 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

Remove 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 them fresh or store them in an airtight container!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies

Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any festive gathering. These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your holiday celebrations.

Cookie Platter

• Create a beautiful cookie platter with an assortment of Soft Christmas Cookies alongside other seasonal treats for a colorful display.

Gift Packages

• Wrap individual cookies in cellophane or place them in decorative tins as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa, creating a cozy and comforting treat that everyone will love.

Holiday Party Favors

• Use Soft Christmas Cookies as party favors by placing them in small bags tied with festive ribbons, making your guests feel special.

Dessert Station

• Set up a dessert station at holiday gatherings where guests can build their own cookie sandwiches using Soft Christmas Cookies and various fillings like frosting or ice cream.

How to Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies

To achieve the best Soft Christmas Cookies, follow these helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups without packing it down to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies that hold their shape.
• Watch the baking time: Remove cookies from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft for perfect texture.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness longer.

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Best Side Dishes for Soft Christmas Cookies

Pairing your Soft Christmas Cookies with complementary side dishes can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some great options:

1. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a creamy, spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet cookies.
2. Fruitcake: A dense, rich cake with dried fruits provides a nice contrast to the lightness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese with crackers, offering a savory balance to your sweet treats.
4. Pecan Pie: The nutty flavor of pecan pie enhances the sweetness of Soft Christmas Cookies, making them an excellent duo.
5. Spiced Candied Nuts: These crunchy bites provide a delightful crunch and flavor contrast alongside soft textures.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the chewy texture of these cookies perfectly, creating a delicious treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Soft Christmas Cookies can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that could ruin your batch. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs. Cold ingredients can lead to dense cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you want.
• Overmixing the Dough: Be careful not to mix the dough too much after adding the flour. Overmixing can make your cookies tough rather than soft and tender.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake to avoid over-baking, which results in crunchy cookies instead of soft ones.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Always measure your ingredients properly. Too much flour or sugar can drastically change the texture of your Soft Christmas Cookies.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes is crucial. This helps them set properly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Christmas Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper for easy access.

Reheating Soft Christmas Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Soft Christmas Cookies so special?

These cookies are known for their tender and chewy texture, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.

How can I customize my Soft Christmas Cookies?

You can add different extracts like peppermint or replace sprinkles with chocolate chips or nuts according to your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make delicious gluten-free Soft Christmas Cookies.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for freshness.

What are some variations of Soft Christmas Cookies?

You can experiment with flavors like gingerbread or snickerdoodle by adding spices and adjusting the sugar types used in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Soft Christmas Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also versatile. You can easily customize them with different flavors or decorations. Perfect for sharing during the holidays, these cookies will bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations. Try them today and see how delightful they are!