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Soft Christmas Cookies

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Soft Christmas Cookies are pillowy, buttery, and perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. These classic holiday cookies hold their shape, stay soft for days, and bring festive cheer to every bite.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • For the icing:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using); mix well.
  5. Mix in the milk until incorporated.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until soft dough forms.
  7. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls. Place on baking sheets and flatten slightly with your hand or bottom of a glass.
  8. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but not browned. Do not overbake.
  9. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. For the icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
  11. Once cookies are fully cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Notes

  • Do not overbake—the centers should look soft when removed from the oven.
  • To keep cookies soft, store with a slice of bread in an airtight container.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help if cutting into shapes.
  • Add citrus zest or spices for a flavor variation.

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