A Sweet Slice of History
Christmas cookies date back to medieval Europe, where bakers first began blending exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brought by traders. These festive treats evolved through generations, with each culture adding its own twist. By the 19th century, decorated sugar cookies became a cherished holiday tradition in America — especially shaped like stars, trees, and snowflakes to celebrate the season.
Soft Christmas Cookies – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for the holiday season. Light, fluffy, and delicately sweet, they’re ideal for family baking days or cookie exchanges. Decorate them with colorful icing and festive sprinkles for a fun, kid-friendly activity. Whether you’re leaving a few for Santa or serving them at a holiday party, these cookies bring warmth and cheer to every bite.
Ingredients
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2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract (optional)
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Royal icing or buttercream for decorating
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Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until combined.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
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Bake for 7–9 minutes or until edges are just lightly golden.
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Cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
For extra softness, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking. Substitute almond
extract with lemon extract for a citrus twist.
FAQ
1. How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply roll and bake when ready. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months—just decorate after thawing.
2. Why are my cookies hard instead of soft?
Overbaking is usually the culprit. Remove cookies when edges are just set; they’ll continue to bake slightly on the tray. Also, ensure butter isn’t overmelted or the texture will toughen.
3. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor remains buttery and delicious. Add 1 extra tablespoon of milk if dough feels dry.
