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Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies: A Holiday Tradition
Introduction:
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies filling the house during the holiday season. These soft sugar cookies, with their perfect balance of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, are a must-have on any holiday table. Whether you’re baking solo in the kitchen or gathering your family and friends for a cozy baking day, this recipe creates not just delicious cookies but memories to last a lifetime.
These cookies are soft, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Paired with a simple yet festive icing and sprinkles, they’ll bring extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. From cookie exchanges to decorating parties, these cookies are a fun and flavorful way to spread joy throughout the season.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups sugar (granulated)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (this keeps the cookies soft and tender)
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (or enough to reach desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract (your choice)
- Food coloring (optional for fun, festive colors)
- Sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended for that holiday sparkle!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake your cookies. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer or a stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft texture in the cookies.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until the dough is smooth and creamy. The extracts will give the cookies a lovely, aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream
Slowly mix in the sour cream. This will make the dough extra soft and tender. Beat until the mixture is well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches. Mix until the dough just comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the texture.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Flour a clean surface, and then roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using your favorite holiday cookie cutters (stars, Christmas trees, snowflakes, etc.), cut the dough into festive shapes.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut-out cookies onto your prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want them soft and chewy!
Step 9: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape while cooling and are ready for decorating.
Step 10: Decorate with Icing
While the cookies are cooling, prepare your icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (or almond extract). Add the milk slowly to get your desired consistency—thicker icing for piping or thinner icing for a glaze. If you’re feeling extra festive, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create different colors.
Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a spoon, piping bag, or a small spatula to decorate them with icing. Top with sprinkles for that extra sparkle!
Methods:
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough to be too soft or difficult to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up slightly and make it easier to roll out.
- Mixing Techniques: Be gentle when mixing the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Over-mixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid. Always mix until just combined for a soft and tender result.
- Icing Tips: If you’re new to decorating cookies, start with simple icing designs. You can always pipe or drizzle icing on your cookies, then add sprinkles or edible glitter for a little extra charm. The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility!
The History of Sugar Cookies:
Sugar cookies have a long and delightful history, dating back to the 1700s in the United States. The first sugar cookies were believed to have originated in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s by German immigrants. They were originally called “Nazareth cookies” after the town where they were first made. Over the years, the simple sugar cookie evolved and became a popular treat for holidays and special occasions.
Sugar cookies became especially popular during Christmas, as their neutral flavor made them perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles. The tradition of making and decorating sugar cookies with loved ones has since become a beloved holiday custom in many households around the world.
Formation of a Family Tradition:
What truly sets these cookies apart isn’t just the taste, but the memories created during their preparation. The dough, the frosting, and the sprinkles all come together as a form of holiday bonding. Whether you’re baking with kids, friends, or relatives, these cookies offer an opportunity to share laughter, creativity, and of course, the delicious results.
Creating a cookie tradition isn’t just about following the recipe. It’s about forming lasting memories, passing down recipes, and maybe even making new traditions as you decorate together. In a way, these cookies symbolize the warmth and joy that holidays bring — the warmth of the oven and the love in the air.
Conclusion: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
These soft Christmas sugar cookies are more than just a treat—they are a way to connect with the people who matter most during the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with a hot cup of cocoa, they are a sweet reminder of the magic of the season.
With their soft, buttery texture, delightful icing, and festive decorations, these cookies will surely bring joy to everyone who tries them. The best part? You can make them year after year, continuing the tradition and creating new memories every time. So, grab your favorite cookie cutters, roll up your sleeves, and let the holiday baking begin. Enjoy these cookies with the ones you love, and watch as they become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations!
With Loved Ones:
Remember, the joy of baking isn’t just about the end result, but about the experience. Whether you’re baking with children, friends, or a significant other, the act of creating something sweet together is what makes it special. So, grab your loved ones, get those cookie cutters ready, and make this holiday season extra sweet with these soft Christmas sugar cookies!
Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies! Would you like more decorating tips or perhaps some variations on this recipe? Let me know!