Soft Christmas cookies are a holiday favorite, bringing warmth, joy, and nostalgia to any gathering. With their tender texture, festive decorations, and delightful flavor, they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones. In this article, we’ll guide you through making the best soft Christmas cookies with easy-to-follow steps, pro tips, and a little insight into the nutritional value of each delicious bite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Why Soft Christmas Cookies Are a Must-Have
Soft Christmas cookies stand out from other holiday treats thanks to their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they’re also a hit with both kids and adults. Decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to make each cookie unique and festive!
What Makes These Cookies So Soft?
The secret to irresistibly soft Christmas cookies lies in the ingredients. Using room-temperature butter, adding milk, and careful mixing all contribute to a dough that produces soft, tender cookies. Additionally, baking at the right temperature and time ensures they stay soft for days.
Ingredients for Soft Christmas Cookies
To make these cookies, you don’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need.
Essential Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight rise for a light, soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter’s fat keeps cookies soft and moist.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies to perfection.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide richness and help bind ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds classic holiday flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Optional but highly recommended for a hint of nuttiness.
- 4 tablespoons milk: Keeps the dough smooth and helps create a softer cookie.
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for the perfect, smooth icing.
- 4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the icing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the icing.
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional): Use for decoration.
These ingredients create the perfect balance between sweetness and tenderness, making these cookies a treat that’s hard to resist!
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies
Follow these step-by-step directions for creating perfect soft Christmas cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside to be combined later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Mix until light and fluffy—this process usually takes 2-3 minutes and is essential for soft, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla and almond extracts, blending until the flavors are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until the dough is smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little extra flour.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass for an even thickness.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Add food coloring if desired to make the icing festive!
Step 9: Decorate
Dip the cooled cookies into the icing or spread the icing on top with a spatula. Sprinkle with festive decorations like colored sugar, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a holiday touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Soft Christmas Cookies
To ensure your cookies are the softest and most flavorful, keep these tips in mind:
- Measure Your Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much.
- Don’t Overbake: Soft cookies should come out of the oven when the centers still look slightly undercooked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels sticky, chilling it for 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and shape.
- Use Quality Extracts: High-quality vanilla and almond extracts make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Variations on Soft Christmas Cookies
One of the best things about this soft Christmas cookie recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to switch things up and add your own twist:
- Peppermint Twist: Substitute almond extract with peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the icing.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the iced cookies.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the icing for a citrusy finish that pairs perfectly with vanilla.
Storage Tips for Soft Christmas Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh and soft, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature.
- Adding a Slice of Bread: To prevent cookies from drying out, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread absorbs moisture, keeping your cookies soft for longer.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Curious about what’s in each delicious bite? Here’s a nutritional breakdown for these cookies, based on one cookie per serving.
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 90IU
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
While these cookies are a festive indulgence, they’re also an excellent treat for sharing. Enjoy them mindfully and savor the sweet, holiday flavors.
FAQs About Soft Christmas Cookies
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can make cookies hard. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar just until light and fluffy, and measure flour accurately.
Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container, separated by wax paper, for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve.
You can replace almond extract with peppermint, cinnamon, or even lemon extract for a new twist on this classic recipe.
If you prefer a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them from drying out.
Make Your Holidays Extra Special with Soft Christmas Cookies
Baking soft Christmas cookies is a wonderful way to bring the holiday spirit into your home. They’re easy to make, delightful to decorate, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, with the tips and FAQs above, you’ll have everything you need to ensure your cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and irresistible every time. So, get your baking gear ready, and enjoy making memories with these festive treats!
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies
These soft Christmas cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—light, tender, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. With a classic sugar cookie base and a hint of almond, they’re perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients:
- 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 but festive!)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the ingredients are well-mixed and ready to blend seamlessly with the wet ingredients.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cookies extra soft.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and almond extract, blending until everything is combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until you have a smooth, consistent dough. The dough should be easy to roll but not sticky—if it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to give them a nice, even shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of food coloring.
- Decorate and Enjoy!: Dip the cooled cookies into the icing, then sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles before the icing sets. Let the icing dry, and your soft Christmas cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature butter and eggs help the dough mix smoothly, giving you an even texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Soft cookies need careful baking. Take them out when the edges are set but the centers still appear a bit underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with Flavors: Swap almond extract with peppermint or orange extract for a unique twist.
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you’re storing them for a longer time, adding a slice of bread to the container will keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg