Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
5. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles of your choice.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes | Kcal: 120 per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies

The Origin of Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies have been a tradition in many households for centuries, and their origins can be traced back to the early European holiday customs. In the 16th century, Germans baked sweet, spiced cookies as part of their festive celebrations, and the tradition spread to other parts of Europe and eventually the world. Over time, Christmas cookies evolved into various shapes and forms, including gingerbread, sugar cookies, and shortbread, becoming a hallmark of the holiday season.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

These soft Christmas cookies are a beloved treat, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive flavor. Unlike the crisp and crunchy versions, these cookies have a soft and pillowy interior that makes them a crowd favorite at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and family gatherings. The addition of colored sugar or sprinkles adds a cheerful touch, making them visually appealing as well as delicious.

Tips for Making the Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter ensures that the dough comes together smoothly, and the cookies have the perfect texture. Don’t use melted butter, as it can lead to cookies that spread too thin during baking.
2. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and results in a more uniform texture. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
3. Don’t Overbake: For soft cookies, it’s crucial to take them out of the oven when they are just starting to turn golden around the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring they remain tender.
4. Use the Right Measuring Technique: Be sure to measure your flour properly. Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Use a spoon to fluff the flour and then level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Variations to Try

• Add Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: These cookies are perfect for customizing with fun sprinkles or colored sugars. They not only make the cookies look festive but also add a bit of crunch and sweetness to each bite.
• Try Different Extracts: While vanilla extract is the classic choice for these cookies, you can experiment with almond or lemon extract for a unique twist on the flavor.
• Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts: If you’re craving a little extra indulgence, feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Storing Your Soft Christmas Cookies

To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for up to a week. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

The Magic Behind Soft Christmas Cookies

The hallmark of these cookies is their soft, tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. This is achieved by carefully balancing the ingredients. The combination of butter, sugar, and a hint of cream of tartar gives the cookies their signature softness and prevents them from becoming dry. Cream of tartar is particularly key as it stabilizes the dough and adds a subtle tang, making the flavor more complex and memorable.

Perfect for All Ages and Occasions

These cookies are not only a treat for kids but also a nostalgic bite for adults. Their simplicity and versatility make them suitable for various occasions beyond Christmas—think baby showers, birthday parties, or tea-time snacks. You can also use them as thoughtful homemade gifts by packaging them in festive boxes or jars.

Decorating Ideas for the Holidays

• Classic Sugar Sprinkles: Keep it simple yet festive with red, green, and white sugar sprinkles.
• Royal Icing Art: Use royal icing to create intricate designs like snowflakes, stars, or Christmas trees.
• Edible Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle with edible glitter for a magical finish.
• Personalized Cookies: Use alphabet cutters to spell names or holiday greetings. They make wonderful place cards for holiday dinners!

How to Involve Kids in the Process

Baking these cookies can be a fun and interactive activity for the whole family. Here are some kid-friendly tasks:

• Measuring Ingredients: Kids can help measure and mix the ingredients, learning about baking in the process.
• Rolling Dough Balls: Little hands are perfect for rolling the cookie dough into balls.
• Decorating: Let the kids go wild with sprinkles, icing, and edible decorations. It’s a great way to unleash their creativity.

Pairing Your Cookies with Holiday Treats

To make your holiday dessert table shine, pair these soft Christmas cookies with other seasonal treats like:

• Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
• A rich eggnog for a creamy, festive drink.
• Spiced apple cider or mulled wine for an adult twist.
• A platter of gingerbread men and chocolate-dipped biscotti for variety.

History of Christmas Cookie Traditions

Baking cookies during the holidays is a time-honored tradition. In the Middle Ages, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves were considered luxurious ingredients, often reserved for special occasions. When combined with sweeteners like honey or sugar, these spices created the earliest versions of holiday cookies. By the 19th century, advancements in baking techniques and the availability of cookie cutters led to the wide variety of shapes and styles we enjoy today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring the dough to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Q: How can I make them gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Be sure to check your other ingredients, like sprinkles, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if needed. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.

The Joy of Sharing

One of the best things about these cookies is that they bring people together. Whether you’re baking with family, sharing them with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment with a cookie and a cup of tea, these treats symbolize the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

Pro Tip: Turn Cookies Into Ice Cream Sandwiches

For an extra-special treat, pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream in between. Roll the edges in crushed candy canes or sprinkles for a festive and indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are a must-have for your holiday celebrations. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking with loved ones, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them yourself, these cookies add a sweet touch to any occasion.

Versatile and easy to make, they can be customized with different decorations or variations to suit your taste. Plus, they’re perfect for storing or freezing ahead of time, making them a convenient treat during the busy holiday season.

Bake a batch (or two!) of these delicious cookies this holiday season and share the joy of homemade treats with those you love. Happy baking!