Soft & Fluffy Christmas Cookies
Introduction
Christmas cookies are a holiday tradition that brings warmth, joy, and a delicious aroma to the home. These soft and fluffy Christmas cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. They are light, buttery, and perfectly spiced with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or left out for Santa, these cookies are a must-have during the holiday season.
History of Christmas Cookies
Christmas cookies have a long history dating back to medieval Europe, where spiced biscuits were made using ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and honey. The tradition of baking cookies during Christmas spread across different cultures, each adding unique flavors and decorations. The modern soft and fluffy Christmas cookie recipe evolved from these early traditions, incorporating butter, sugar, and vanilla to create the perfect holiday treat.
Benefits of Soft & Fluffy Christmas Cookies
- Brings Holiday Cheer – Baking and sharing cookies create beautiful holiday memories.
- Customizable – You can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
- Nutritious Variations – By using whole wheat flour, nuts, or less sugar, they can be made healthier.
- Great for Gifting – A batch of homemade cookies makes a thoughtful and delicious present.
- Perfect Texture – These cookies are soft and fluffy, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) sour cream
For Decoration (Optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkles, colored sugar, or chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chilling the Dough
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps develop the flavors and makes rolling easier.
Step 3: Rolling and Cutting
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into festive Christmas designs (stars, trees, bells, etc.).
- Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 4: Baking
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Decorating (Optional)
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a simple glaze.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over cooled cookies.
- Add sprinkles or decorations before the glaze sets.
Formation and Texture
These cookies rise slightly, resulting in a soft and airy texture. The sour cream helps keep them moist, while the butter ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Rolling the dough evenly and baking at the right temperature prevents them from becoming too crisp.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Approx.)
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Christmas Cookie Lovers
- Kids – They love decorating and eating them!
- Santa Claus – A plate of cookies is a Christmas Eve tradition.
- Holiday Hosts – Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
- Baking Enthusiasts – Enjoy the process of making and decorating them.
- Gift Givers – Homemade cookies make heartfelt presents.
Conclusion
Soft and fluffy Christmas cookies are a beloved holiday tradition that brings families together. They are easy to make, fun to decorate, and incredibly delicious. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or given as a gift, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
Would you like variations, such as a chocolate version or a healthier alternative?