Soft Christmas Cookies

Nothing says Christmas quite like freshly baked, soft, and colorful sugar cookies. These Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering, offering a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a festive flair with their vibrant food coloring. They’re easy to make and versatile, allowing you to cut them into a variety of shapes and decorate them to match the holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or creating a fun family activity, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Soft Christmas Cookies are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. The dough is easy to work with, making it ideal for shaping into fun holiday-themed shapes. Whether you’re making stars, trees, or snowflakes, these cookies will turn out beautifully every time. They’re also an excellent canvas for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter, making them as festive as they are delicious. The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you’ll be able to make these cookies without any fuss, perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners alike.

Ingredients

• Butter, softened (1 cup)
• White sugar (1 cup)
• Eggs (2)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• All-purpose flour (3 cups)
• Assorted food coloring
• Confectioners’ sugar (2 cups)

Variations

This Soft Christmas Cookie recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or holiday-themed sprinkles into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
• Different Shapes: Use cookie cutters in various holiday shapes such as Christmas trees, stars, reindeer, or even Santa’s sleigh for a festive touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy. This helps to create a soft and tender cookie base.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

On a floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The dough should be smooth and pliable, making it easy to cut into shapes.

Step 7: Cut into Shapes

Use any cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes. Christmas-themed cutters like trees, stars, or candy canes are perfect for the occasion.

Step 8: Place on Baking Sheets

Place the cut-out cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. This will give them enough space to bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft, as these are soft cookies.

Step 10: Cool and Ice

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing them. Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing and sprinkles to add a festive touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough hold its shape during baking and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Use Food Coloring Sparingly: If you’re using food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired shade.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can result in crispier cookies, but for the soft texture, it’s best to take them out when the edges are just golden.
• Decorating Tip: Use royal icing or a simple glaze to decorate these cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.

How to Serve

These Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Serve them alongside a hot cup of cocoa, a glass of milk, or even a festive cocktail. They also make a great addition to any dessert table during your holiday celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will stay soft and delicious if properly stored.

Freezing

To freeze these cookies, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat frozen cookies, place them on a baking sheet at room temperature for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in baking for better control over the salt content. If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling it out and baking.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may affect the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit less tender.

4. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar and mix in the dry ingredients. Just be sure not to overmix once the flour is added.

5. How do I get perfect cut-out cookies?

Make sure your dough is chilled thoroughly before rolling it out. This helps prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin and ensures the cookies hold their shape.

6. Can I freeze these cookies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Allow them to cool completely before freezing, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

7. How long will the dough last in the fridge?

Chilled dough will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. How thick should I roll the dough?

Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch for the perfect texture. If it’s too thick, the cookies might not cook evenly; too thin, and they may be too crispy.

9. Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Yes, royal icing works great for decorating these cookies. You can also use buttercream or a simple glaze if you prefer.

10. Can I add sprinkles to the dough?

Yes, you can mix sprinkles directly into the dough before rolling it out for added color and texture.

Conclusion

These Soft Christmas Cookies are a holiday classic that’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for decorating. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to create some festive fun in the kitchen, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies will brighten up any holiday celebration. So, grab your cookie cutters, whip up a batch, and get ready to enjoy these delicious treats with your loved ones!

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