Description
These Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for celebrating the holiday season! Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a sweet cream cheese glaze and festive sprinkles makes them irresistible. This recipe is easy to follow, ensuring a batch of cookies that will impress friends and family alike. Get ready to spread holiday cheer with every bite!
Ingredients:
Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for extra soft cookies)
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- Christmas sprinkles (red, green, white, gold, etc.)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft cookie texture.
Step 4:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.
Step 5:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6:
Scoop the dough into 1.5–2 tbsp balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 7:
Slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls with your fingers or the bottom of a cup. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 8:
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still pale and soft. Remember, they will firm up while cooling.
Step 9:
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before glazing.
Glazing & Decorating:
Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Step 2:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Step 3:
Add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until the glaze is silky and has a drizzle/spreadable consistency.
Step 4:
Spoon the glaze on top of the cooled cookies OR dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze.
Step 5:
Immediately add Christmas sprinkles to the glazed cookies, as the glaze sets quickly.
Step 6:
Let the decorated cookies rest for about 1 hour to allow the glaze to set softly, which prevents them from being messy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and almost melt in your mouth.
- Festive: Perfect for the holiday season with their colorful sprinkles and sweet glaze.
- Easy to Make: Simple instructions and readily available ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to different sprinkles and decorations for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.
- Arrange on a festive platter for holiday parties.
- Package in decorative boxes or bags as gifts.
- Enjoy as a sweet treat after dinner or as a midday snack.
- Pair with other holiday desserts for a complete dessert spread.
Tips:
- Don’t Overbake: Pale cookies are soft cookies! Overbaking will result in a dry, hard cookie.
- Chill Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
- Perfectly Round Cookies: Gently push the edges of the cookies inward while they are still warm to achieve a perfectly round shape.
- Wire Rack: Glaze sets faster on a wire rack than on parchment paper.
- Soft Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened for a smooth and creamy batter.
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
9-11 minutes
Total Time:
Approximately 1 hour (including cooling and glazing)
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Calories:
Approximately 200-250 per cookie
Protein:
Approximately 2-3 grams per cookie
Sodium:
Approximately 50-70 mg per cookie
Conclusion
These Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays are a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a touch of sweetness to their festive celebrations. With their soft texture, delightful glaze, and colorful sprinkles, they are sure to bring joy to everyone who tries them. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Allow the dough to soften slightly before scooping and baking.
Q2: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and glazed cookies. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
Q3: What can I use instead of cream cheese for the glaze? A: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use a simple buttercream glaze made with butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Q4: How do I prevent the sprinkles from melting into the glaze? A: Add the sprinkles immediately after glazing the cookies, as the glaze sets quickly. This will help the sprinkles adhere properly and prevent them from melting.
Q5: Can I use different extracts for flavoring? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts such as almond, lemon, or peppermint to add a unique twist to your cookies.
