Christmas is a season filled with joy, warmth, and of course, delicious treats. Nothing says “holidays” like a batch of soft, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies decorated with festive icing. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect holiday cookies—soft, chewy, and beautifully iced—to share with friends, family, or keep for yourself! These cookies are ideal for anyone who loves a delicate texture with a rich, buttery flavor. Plus, they’re customizable with colors and sprinkles to suit any holiday theme.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Soft Christmas Cookies
Creating the perfect soft Christmas cookies starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended for a subtle holiday flavor)
- 4 tablespoons milk
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional for decoration)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soft Christmas Cookies
Achieving the ideal texture—soft and chewy with a slight crisp edge—is simple with this guide. Follow each step carefully to get the best results.
1. Preparing the Dough
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This helps ensure that the dry ingredients are well-mixed and ready to incorporate into the wet ingredients. - Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Creaming these ingredients helps add air to the dough, making the cookies soft and tender. - Add the Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla and almond extract. The almond extract is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates these cookies. - Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed. Alternate adding the flour mixture with the milk to prevent the dough from becoming too dry. Mix until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
2. Shaping the Cookies
- Form the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with. - Flatten the Dough Balls
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. This helps them spread evenly and bake consistently.
3. Baking the Cookies
- Bake Until Just Set
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers remain slightly soft. It’s crucial not to overbake, as this can make the cookies lose their soft texture. - Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on the sheet first helps them retain their shape and continue cooking slightly from the residual heat.
How to Make Festive Icing for Christmas Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to decorate! The icing adds a sweet, glossy finish that’s perfect for holiday decorating.
1. Mix the Icing Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the milk as needed to get the desired consistency. You’re aiming for a thick but spreadable icing that will set nicely on the cookies.
2. Add Color and Decorate
Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring if desired. Using red, green, or blue food coloring can give your cookies a classic Christmas look. Stir until the colors are evenly distributed.
3. Dip or Spread the Icing
Dip each cooled cookie into the icing, or use a spoon to spread a layer of icing on top. You can also use a piping bag for more intricate designs if you’re feeling creative.
4. Decorate with Sprinkles
While the icing is still wet, add sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra festive touch. Allow the icing to set completely before storing or serving the cookies.
Tips for Making the Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter
For the best consistency, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will make the dough too runny. - Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture soft. - Chill the Dough if Needed
If the dough feels too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for a short time. Chilling can make it easier to handle and prevent excess spreading during baking. - Store Properly to Maintain Softness
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container once the icing has set. You can even place a piece of bread in the container, as the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread and stay fresh longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Freeze Soft Christmas Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies before icing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, allow the cookies to thaw, then proceed with icing and decorating.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Soft Texture?
The secret to soft Christmas cookies lies in the combination of ingredients and baking method. Using room temperature butter and not overbaking are key steps. Adding a small amount of milk also gives the dough extra moisture, resulting in a tender, soft cookie.
Can I Use Different Flavors in the Icing?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint to add unique flavors to the icing. Just add a few drops of the extract of your choice and adjust to taste.
How Do I Keep the Cookies Fresh?
Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft. If you live in a dry climate, consider adding a piece of bread to the container as it helps to maintain the cookie’s moisture.
Nutrition Information
Each soft Christmas cookie contains approximately 180 calories. This count may vary depending on the type and amount of sprinkles or additional toppings used.
Conclusion
These soft Christmas cookies are the ultimate holiday treat—perfectly tender, wonderfully flavored, and so easy to decorate! Whether you’re looking to create a cozy afternoon baking experience or share a festive dessert with loved ones, this recipe is sure to bring holiday cheer. Enjoy the tradition of baking and decorating these soft, delicious cookies with family and friends, and make your holiday season extra sweet.