Best Soft Christmas Cookies
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When it comes to the festive season, few treats bring as much joy as good old Christmas cookies. These Best Soft Christmas Cookies meld delightful flavors and an enticing texture that are practically guaranteed to brighten your holiday celebrations. I have cherished this recipe for years, sharing batches with friends and family—bringing smiles all around. With a soft, pillowy interior and a delectable buttery sweetness, these cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges or simply snacking by the fire, making them a must-try this holiday season.
What makes this recipe special
There are plenty of reasons to whip up these Best Soft Christmas Cookies. First, they’re incredibly simple to make—perfect for budding bakers looking to join in on festive fun. The combination of butter and sugar leads to a fluffy texture that’s light yet satisfying, while the added sour cream provides moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, the colorful sprinkles on top add that festive touch that makes these cookies a visual treat too!
“I made these for a holiday gathering, and they were a hit! Soft, delicious, and so festive with the sprinkles!” – A little holiday cheer from one of my friends.
Preparing Best Soft Christmas Cookies
This recipe is straightforward, granting even novice bakers a chance to shine. Just follow these simple steps for cookie perfection! First, you’ll want to gather your ingredients. The process requires a few simple bowls, a whisk, and a baking sheet—nothing too complicated!
What you’ll need
Let’s gather our baking essentials before diving into the cooking! For these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 cup colored sprinkles or sugar crystals for decoration
Note: If you’re looking to cut down on the richness, you could substitute part of the butter with applesauce or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-step instructions
Now, let’s roll up those sleeves and get baking! Here’s how to create your Best Soft Christmas Cookies in just a few easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside for now.
- In your large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream until everything is well combined.
- Gently stir in the dry ingredients until just blended—be careful not to overmix!
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Lightly flatten each dough ball and top with colorful sprinkles or crystals.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, keeping an eye on them until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Best ways to enjoy it
Once your cookies are cool and crisped to golden perfection, it’s time to serve! These cookies shine solo, but they can also be paired with a warm cup of cocoa for an extra cozy experience. Arrange them on a festive platter or stack them in a decorative tin for a sweet DIY gift idea. For a delightful brunch addition, serve them alongside creamy holiday eggnog or a warm chai latte.
How to store and freeze
Leftover cookies? No problem! To keep your Best Soft Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them beyond the holiday season, freezing is a wonderful option! Simply place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last up to three months. Be sure to label the bags for easy identification later!
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure the best results, always measure your flour accurately. Overpacking your measuring cup can lead to dry cookies. Also, using room-temperature butter helps create that perfect whipped consistency when combined with sugar. If you wish for slightly different textures, consider experimenting with different baking times—less time for softer cookies or more for a firmer bite.
Flavor swaps and creative twists
Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can explore:
- Replace almond extract with peppermint for a minty twist.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes into the dough for a festive flair.
- Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate instead of sprinkles for a richer touch.
Your questions answered
-
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
On average, the prep time is about 20 minutes, and baking takes an additional 8-10 minutes. -
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes! You’ll still achieve softness, but the flavor will be slightly different. -
What’s the best way to handle cookie dough?
If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. This will make it much easier to scoop and shape!
These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are sure to become a baked favorite in your home, merging delightful flavor with that holiday spirit. Happy baking!
Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream until well combined.
- Gently stir in the dry ingredients until just blended, being careful not to overmix.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Lightly flatten each dough ball and top with colorful sprinkles or crystals.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, checking until the edges are lightly golden and centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
