Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
These delightful Soft Christmas Cookies are holiday treats that warm the heart and home. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a soft, tender texture, they are a must-have during the festive season. Having baked countless cookies over the years, I can attest to the joy these cookies bring, whether shared at gatherings or enjoyed with a cup of cocoa.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Taste: These cookies are both sweet and subtly spiced, making them perfect for the season.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone, from kids to grandparents, loves these cookies, ensuring smiles all around.
- Culinary Activity: Making these cookies can be a fun family activity, perfect for bringing everyone together during the holidays.
- Versatile Decor: You can easily customize them with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to match any festive occasion.
- Soft Texture: Unlike many cookies that can be crunchy, these stay soft and chewy, making them a favorite of mine.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This recipe blends together simple ingredients to create a dough that’s easily shaped and baked to golden perfection.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first baked these Soft Christmas Cookies, I was delighted by how quickly they came together. However, I initially faced the challenge of achieving the right softness without overbaking. After some trial and error, I discovered that underbaking them slightly gives the best results.
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies
To make these delectable cookies, you’ll mix the dry ingredients separately, then cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. It’s crucial to work the butter at room temperature for optimal texture. You’ll want to scoop out even portions of dough, ensuring they bake uniformly. During baking, they will puff up and spread slightly, achieving that perfect soft center.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for an even mix and better texture.
- Pairing Flour Types: For extra softness, consider using a combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour.
- Scoop Evenly: To ensure uniform baking, use a cookie scoop for portioning the dough.
- Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
- Oven Thermometer: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the ideal temperature for soft, chewy cookies.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies
Serve these cookies on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch. Pair them with a tall glass of milk, herbal tea, or coffee for a warm treat. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoyed at home while cozying up with loved ones.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for additional flavor and texture.
- Spice Variations: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist.
- Butter Alternatives: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Highlights
These cookies are perfect for sharing. Each cookie contains about 100 calories, making it a light indulgence. They provide a small amount of calcium from the butter and can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs. However, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to the sugar content.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cookies Spreading Too Much: Ensure your butter isn’t too warm and that you’re chilling the dough if needed.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on them; they should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven.
- Dry Texture: Measure flour properly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing it in too densely.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but butter gives the best flavor and texture. If you use margarine, choose a stick variety for the best results. -
How can I reduce the sweetness?
You can reduce the sugar in the recipe by a few tablespoons, but be cautious as sugar contributes to the cookie’s texture as well. -
What can I do with leftover icing from decoration?
Leftover icing can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. You can repurpose it for other baked goods or even pancakes! -
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Shape the dough into discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Soft Christmas Cookies
Delightful soft Christmas cookies that warm your heart with their sweetness and tender texture, perfect for the festive season.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop even portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, allowing the cookies to look slightly underbaked in the center.
- Let cool before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate as desired.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. If time allows, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg