Introduction
There’s something magical about baking cookies during the holiday season, especially when they come out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a sweet treat after a festive meal. With a delightful mix of vanilla and almond extracts, and a pop of color from sprinkles, they look as good as they taste. Let’s dive into this cozy holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- ½ cup colored sprinkles or sugar crystals for decoration
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), filling your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This will create a fluffy base for your cookies. Set the mixture aside.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, almost like a cloud. This step adds air and ensures a tender cookie.
- Beat in the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts, and the sour cream. Combine everything well to infuse those rich flavors throughout the batter.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful here—mix just until blended, as overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, giving each one enough space to spread slightly while baking.
- Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers and sprinkle a generous amount of colorful sprinkles or sugar crystals on top. This is where the festive magic truly happens!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a light golden brown, but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of holiday spirit, feel free to add a dash of your favorite spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to the dough. If you’d like to store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for several days. They also make fabulous gifts—just pack them in a festive tin!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic baking techniques, such as creaming butter and sugar for that perfect texture and carefully mixing dry ingredients. Remember, the key to soft cookies is achieving the right balance of ingredients and not overbaking them. Keeping an eye on your cookies while they bake will ensure they come out just right!
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! Once the cookies are fully cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for sour cream? You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk if needed, as they both provide similar moisture and tanginess.
Conclusion
These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their tender texture and festive appearance, they’re sure to spread joy and sweetness wherever you take them. So gather your loved ones, turn on some holiday music, and enjoy the delight of baking these scrumptious treats together!