Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so special about the warmth and joy that fills the air, and these best soft Christmas cookies fit right into that festive spirit. I can still remember the first time I baked these cookies with my grandmother. The smell of buttery goodness wafting through the house was absolutely heavenly! They’re soft, tender, and just melt in your mouth. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these cookies on your holiday baking list year after year. They’re not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to create memories with family and friends. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into the joy of baking these delightful cookies together!
Ingredients
To make these best soft Christmas cookies, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together to create magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy!)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit at room temperature for the best results)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a lovely touch!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting (for that beautiful finish!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to create the softest, most delightful cookies that are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
How to Prepare the Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated! The magic happens at 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. Nobody wants cookies that are crispy on the outside and raw in the middle! So, while you’re mixing your ingredients, let the oven warm up and get ready for the cookie goodness.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Just whisk them together until they’re well blended. Here’s a little tip: when measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly. This helps avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense cookies. We want soft, fluffy ones, right?
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab another bowl and let’s cream together that softened butter and sugar. You’ll want to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Using room temperature butter is key here; it makes the mixing process so much easier and helps create those delightfully soft cookies. Trust me, this step is where the magic really begins!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, we’re adding the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to our butter-sugar mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Just a heads-up—don’t overmix at this stage! We want everything incorporated without losing that lovely, airy texture we created earlier.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add those dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this gradually, about a third at a time, gently folding it in. Stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that! Your dough should be soft and a little sticky—perfect for shaping!
Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them, as they will spread while baking. Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. A quick tip: if you’re not sure they’re done, just peek at the edges. They should look set but still soft in the center!
Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once they’re done baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up just a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And here’s my favorite part—once they’re cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for that gorgeous, festive touch. They’re ready to be enjoyed with family, friends, or maybe just a cozy night in!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake, here are some tips to make sure your best soft Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time. First, always use softened butter; it’s crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can cut it into small pieces to speed up the softening process—just don’t melt it!
When mixing your dough, be careful not to overmix it once you add the dry ingredients. This can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender! Just stir until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jazz up these cookies with some fun flavor variations. Try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for that holiday flair. You could even swap out the almond extract for peppermint extract for a refreshing twist! The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about the nutritional side of these best soft Christmas cookies, here’s a quick breakdown. Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. But don’t let the numbers scare you away—these cookies are all about joy and celebration during the holidays!
FAQ Section
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These best soft Christmas cookies actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough seems overly sticky, don’t panic! You can sprinkle a little extra flour while mixing or chilling the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge can make it easier to work with.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries! You can replace it with more vanilla extract or even try a splash of peppermint extract for a festive twist. It’ll still taste amazing!
Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can be caused by a few things—make sure your butter isn’t too melted and check that your baking soda is fresh. Room temperature butter is key to keeping them fluffy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These best soft Christmas cookies are an absolute delight, and here’s why you’ll love making them this holiday season:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence!
- Quick Preparation: You can have these cookies ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Soft and Tender: Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making them the ultimate cookie treat for everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them your own!
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gift-giving or bringing to holiday parties, spreading joy and deliciousness wherever they go.
Trust me, once you start making these, they’ll become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your best soft Christmas cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft for about a week at room temperature, but if you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also freeze them. Just layer the cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit.
For a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, you can gently reheat the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This makes them even softer and gives that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture all over again!
Print
Best Soft Christmas Cookies: 7 Secrets to Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These are the best soft Christmas cookies. They are easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft.
- You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best soft christmas cookies
