Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect for the holiday season with a tender texture and sweet vanilla-almond flavor. Decorated with colorful frosting and festive sprinkles, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends or creating a holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 4 tablespoons milk
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 4 tablespoons of milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie softness.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which helps with shaping.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool cookies: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired to create festive colors.
- Decorate cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie and add sprinkles for decoration. Let the frosting set before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a stronger almond flavor, increase the almond extract to 1 teaspoon.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For softer cookies, do not overbake and keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.
- Food coloring and sprinkles are optional but add a festive touch perfect for Christmas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
