These soft, sugar-sweetened Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, delicate flavors, and festive decorations make them a favorite among adults and kids alike.

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Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about baking soft Christmas cookies. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, as a gift for friends, or to leave out for Santa, these cookies bring holiday joy in every bite. They’re tender and slightly chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, decorating them can be a fun family activity that adds color and sparkle to your holiday dessert table. This detailed recipe will guide you through creating soft Christmas cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

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Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Icing and Decorations:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (red, green, or any preferred holiday colors)
• Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using. Beat until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies tougher.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

• Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

• Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Use festive cookie cutters (such as stars, trees, or snowflakes) to cut shapes from the dough.
• Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Variation

For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist. You can also substitute almond extract with peppermint extract for a fresh holiday flavor.

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Cooking Note

Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly. This step is essential for achieving soft, fluffy cookies that hold their shape well. Also, do not overbake—soft cookies should look just set and slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven.

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter, paired with mugs of hot cocoa or holiday punch. For a cozy presentation, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the cookies like “snow” just before serving.

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Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients: This will ensure the butter and sugar cream properly, resulting in light, airy cookies.
• Chill the dough: This step is crucial for preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Get creative with decorations: Use various colors of icing and different types of sprinkles to make each cookie unique.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 8-10 minutes per batch

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: About 24 cookies

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Nutritional Information (per cookie)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Sodium: 70 mg

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FAQs

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze well! Once cooled, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to decorate.

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Just let it soften slightly before rolling out.

Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
A: Chilling the dough is key. Make sure the dough is well chilled before baking, and work with small batches if needed to keep the dough cold.

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Conclusion

Soft Christmas cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. This recipe delivers cookies that are not only deliciously soft and buttery but also easy to customize with your favorite decorations. With just a few steps, you can create a batch of beautifully festive cookies that capture the joy and warmth of the season. Gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and enjoy the experience of making and sharing these treats. Happy baking!