Description
These soft Christmas cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and irresistibly delicious. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet vanilla icing, these cookies will be a hit with family and friends. The recipe includes options for almond extract to add a unique flavor profile and gel food coloring for vibrant decorating. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 – 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise properly and have a consistent texture.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in a soft and tender cookie.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Make sure the egg is fully incorporated for a smooth batter. The almond extract adds a lovely subtle flavor that complements the vanilla.
Step 5: Add sour cream and mix until smooth. The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies room to spread during baking.
Step 8: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry cookies.
Step 9: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 11: Divide the icing into separate bowls, add gel food coloring to each, and mix well.
Step 12: Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the colored icing and add sprinkles if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the incredibly soft texture of the cookies. The addition of sour cream ensures they stay moist, and the option to add almond extract provides a delightful twist on the classic vanilla flavor. The cookies are easy to decorate, making them a perfect activity for families during the holidays. They’re also incredibly versatile – you can customize the icing colors and sprinkles to match any holiday theme.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter or a cookie exchange. Consider packaging them in decorative tins or bags as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors.
Tips
- Use room-temperature butter to ensure a fluffy cookie texture. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want the cookies to spread less during baking.
- Gel food coloring works best for achieving vibrant icing colors without adding too much liquid.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie) Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Calories: 150 Protein: 1 gram Sodium: 30 mg
DRINK Rating Pair with milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
Conclusion
These soft Christmas cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season. Their delightful flavor, tender texture, and festive decorations make them a standout treat that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and sharing these cookies with your loved ones!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter and control the amount of salt added. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or full-fat plain yogurt.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- How do I prevent the icing from running off the cookies?
- To prevent the icing from running off, make sure the cookies are completely cool before icing. Also, adjust the consistency of the icing so that it is thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable. If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
