Santa’s not the only one who loves cookies during the holiday season. These soft Christmas cookies are a festive treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Simple to make and utterly delicious, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday baking list.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of butter and cream cheese ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
- Vanilla and almond extracts add a depth of flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
- Chilling the dough is the secret to preventing spread, ensuring thick, soft cookies every time.
- Royal icing not only looks festive but adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Royal icing and sprinkles for decorating
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Together Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. Tip: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The mixture should look uniform and slightly glossy. This is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This step is crucial for easy rolling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, always use room temperature ingredients. This ensures a smooth, homogenous dough. When rolling out the dough, if it starts to stick, lightly flour your rolling pin and surface. To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The cookies will absorb the moisture from the bread, staying soft for days. For a professional look, use a piping bag with a small tip to decorate with royal icing. Let the icing set completely before stacking or packaging the cookies.
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Mix in zest from an orange or lemon for a citrusy twist.
- For chocolate lovers, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate cookies.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant look.
- Use different extracts, like peppermint or coconut, to change up the flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if the baking sheets were too warm when the cookies were placed on them. Always chill your dough as directed and use cool baking sheets for each batch.
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon, but it will require some elbow grease to get the butter and cream cheese properly creamed with the sugar.
Summary
These soft Christmas cookies are a holiday essential, combining a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with festive flavors and decorations. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.