Soft Christmas Cookies

These Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for holiday gatherings and decorating with festive frosting!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 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 white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 tablespoons sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
• Red and green food coloring
• Holiday sprinkles (red, green, white)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix well, then stir in the sour cream.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with a spoon.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Make Frosting: For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. Divide into separate bowls and color with food coloring.
8. Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost them and top with holiday sprinkles.

Tips

• Customize Your Frosting: Feel free to add different colors and festive designs to your cookies!
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

FAQs About Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before frosting them. Just thaw them at room temperature before decorating.
2. What can I use instead of almond extract? You can omit it or replace it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. How can I make these cookies more festive? Try using different shapes with cookie cutters and adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter!
4. What if my frosting is too thick? Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead? Yes, but it may affect the texture and softness of the cookies.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately 120 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Enjoy these Soft Christmas Cookies as a delightful treat during the holiday season, and share them with family and friends for a festive celebration!