The holiday season is synonymous with delightful treats, and soft Christmas cookies hold a special place in our hearts. Their tender texture and festive decorations make them a favorite at any gathering. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create cookies that are both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 ¾ cups
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter (softened): 1 cup
• Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups
• Large Eggs: 2
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon
• Milk: 4 tablespoons

For the Icing

• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Milk: 4 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Food Coloring and Sprinkles: Optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing thoroughly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
8. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls if using multiple food colorings.
10. Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the icing onto each cookie. Add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.

Additional Tips

• Chilling the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can make it more manageable.
• Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing parchment paper between layers can prevent sticking.
• Flavor Variations: For a different flavor profile, consider substituting the almond extract with lemon or peppermint extract.

Conclusion

Baking soft Christmas cookies is a cherished tradition that brings joy to both bakers and those who indulge in the treats. This recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating delicious and festive cookies that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating, and most importantly, sharing these delightful cookies with loved ones.