Crispy, Chewy, Tender Christmas Powdered Sugar Cookies
Introduction:
Ah, the magic of holiday cookies – each bite encapsulates a season filled with warmth, joy, and family tradition. This recipe, handed down through generations, is one of those nostalgic treats that encapsulates everything you love about Christmas cookies. While it’s not your typical snowball or wedding cookie, these cookies are a special creation — crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, tender and moist all at once. The powdered sugar coating gives them that extra touch of sweetness and elegance that makes them perfect for any holiday spread.
This cookie recipe holds a personal history, one that brings back memories of countless holiday seasons spent in the kitchen with family, laughter, and the smell of baking filling the air. If you’re lucky enough to have this recipe tucked away in your grandmother’s collection, you’ll recognize the warmth and love baked right into each bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups sugar (granulated)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- ½ cup sour cream (this is key for the chewy and moist texture)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for coating)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional but adds a nice texture and flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes with an electric mixer). This process is crucial to create that perfect texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts. Continue to mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream, which will add moisture to the dough and help achieve that tender, chewy bite.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still slightly soft. These cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
- Powdered Sugar Coating: While the cookies are cooling, prepare a shallow dish with powdered sugar. Once the cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes, roll them gently in the powdered sugar until fully coated. For extra sweetness, you can roll them a second time after they’ve fully cooled.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. They’ll develop that crispy edge and chewy center as they cool, making them irresistible!
History:
The origins of powdered sugar-coated cookies can be traced back to many European traditions, particularly from the Italian and Scandinavian regions. Many of these cookies, especially wedding cookies, were made with nuts and sugar, creating a simple yet decadent treat. Over the years, different cultures have adapted the recipe, making their own variations by adjusting the fats, flour types, and flavoring agents.
This particular recipe, though not the classic snowball, embodies those same comforting qualities with an added layer of texture from the sour cream and the crispy, chewy combination. The history of these cookies in your family goes beyond just a recipe – it’s a reminder of times spent baking with loved ones, of sharing these treats with friends, and of preserving memories one bite at a time.
Formation:
The key to forming these cookies lies in the balance between wet and dry ingredients. The soft dough that results from the butter, eggs, and sour cream will help maintain that perfect chewiness, while the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and baking powder) provide structure to the cookie. The gentle rolling in powdered sugar just before serving is what elevates these cookies, making them look as good as they taste. The inclusion of nuts, though optional, offers a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender dough.
Lovers:
Who doesn’t love a cookie that is both crispy and chewy, with a dusting of sweetness? These cookies are perfect for anyone who enjoys the blend of textures and a touch of nostalgia. Whether it’s your grandmother, your kids, or your best friend – everyone will fall in love with these little bites of heaven.
They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or just as a little treat for yourself after a long day. The powdered sugar coating and crispy edges make them a timeless favorite, bringing smiles to faces year after year.
Conclusion:
This Christmas cookie recipe, rich in flavor and texture, is more than just a treat – it’s a piece of history. From the ingredients to the methods, everything comes together to create a cookie that is crispy on the outside, chewy and tender on the inside, and dusted with sweet powdered sugar. It’s a cookie that speaks of tradition, love, and holiday cheer.
So, gather your loved ones, pull out that old recipe binder, and bake a batch of these beautiful cookies. Share them with those you hold dear, and let the simple joy of baking together add to the magic of the season.