Soft Christmas Cookies

Introduction

Soft Christmas Cookies are a holiday classic that combines a melt-in-your-mouth texture with festive decorations. Perfect for cutouts, these cookies are easy to make and ideal for decorating with icing and sprinkles. They hold their shape while baking and stay soft, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

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
• 4 tablespoons milk

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until well combined.
   • If the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Shape the Dough:
   • Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
   • Use cookie cutters to cut into festive shapes, then place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Icing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Add food coloring for vibrant designs, if desired.
8. Decorate the Cookies:
   • Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. They offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. With their simple preparation and endless decoration possibilities, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!