Soft Christmas cookies are a delightful treat that brings the spirit of the holiday season to your home. With their tender texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and charming shapes, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, decorating, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This soft Christmas cookie recipe is not just easy to follow; it promises to deliver cookies that melt in your mouth and bring joy to your holiday celebrations. The combination of simple ingredients creates a deliciously sweet cookie that is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Furthermore, the dough can be chilled, making it a convenient option for those wanting to prepare in advance. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, preparing gifts for neighbors, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Introduction
The aroma of freshly baked cookies is a quintessential part of the holiday season. There’s something magical about the combination of festive flavors that makes these soft Christmas cookies so special. Decorated with vibrant icing or left plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies bring a smile to everyone’s face. In this recipe, we will explore how to create soft, flavorful cookies that remain tender and irresistible long after baking. With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be able to impress your guests—and yourself—this holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup margarine, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial as it aerates the flour and ensures everything is evenly mixed. Once sifted, set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Cream Sugar and Margarine
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 ½ cups of white sugar and 1 cup of softened margarine. Continue beating at medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter, which helps the cookies achieve their soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the 2 large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a rich, aromatic flavor that is synonymous with holiday baking.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the prepared dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough is vital as it firms up the butter, making it easier to handle and shape later. It also helps to prevent spreading during baking, which retains the cookies’ soft texture.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Before you start shaping the cookies, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Cut Out Cookies
On a clean, floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Place the cutout cookies on the prepared sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for slight spreading while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; you want the centers to remain soft. After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
COOKING Rating:
5/5 stars – Effortlessly delicious and perfect for celebrating the holiday season!
Serving Suggestions:
These soft Christmas cookies can be served warm, topped with a simple icing, or sprinkled with festive colored sugar. For an added touch of holiday cheer, consider decorating them with royal icing or edible glitter. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a warm cup of mulled cider. Package them in decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
- Decorating Fun: Get creative! Use sprinkles, colored icing, or edible markers to personalize your cookies.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding almond extract or lemon zest for a twist on the traditional vanilla flavor.
- Uniform Cookies: To ensure even baking, try to cut the cookies in similar sizes.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer freshness.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus 2 hours chill time)
Cook Time:
8 minutes
Total Time:
2 hours 28 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on yielding 48 cookies):
- Calories: 115
- Protein: 1.1g
- Sodium: 40mg
Conclusion
These soft Christmas cookies embody the joy and warmth of the holiday season. With their perfectly tender texture and sweet vanilla flavor, they are bound to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or baking them as a special treat for yourself, these cookies are a timeless classic that will surely spread cheer and create lasting memories.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use butter instead of margarine in this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine. Just ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Q2: How can I make the cookies more festive?
A2: You can decorate the cookies with colored icing, edible glitter, or sprinkles. Use cookie stencils for fun designs!
Q3: What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough for later use?
A4: Yes! The dough can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Q5: Is there a way to make the cookies less sweet?
A5: You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture. Aim for a moderate reduction to maintain their softness.
