Holiday Soft Sugar Cookies with Red & Green Frosting

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Absolutely! Here’s a full, festive, and elaborate cookie recipe crafted just like you asked, with a rich introduction, detailed instructions, history, formation, methods, and even a nod to the cookie lovers ❤️🍪🎄. I’ll make it extra festive and comprehensive.

Holiday Soft Sugar Cookies with Red & Green Frosting 🎄🍪✨

Introduction

Nothing screams holiday cheer quite like soft, sweet sugar cookies decorated with festive red and green frosting. These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of togetherness, joy, and a sprinkle of magic in every bite. Perfect for sharing with family, friends, or sneaking a few for yourself while sipping hot cocoa by the fire. This recipe brings warmth, color, and the irresistible aroma of holiday baking into your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra warmth)
  • ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra softness)

For the Frosting:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (or as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Red and green gel food coloring
  • Holiday-themed sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Stir in sour cream to make the dough soft and tender.

2. Shape and Bake

  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  2. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
  3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden (the centers should remain soft).
  4. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Frosting and Decoration

  1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  2. Divide frosting into two bowls and tint one red and one green using gel food coloring.
  3. Spread frosting on cooled cookies using a knife or small spatula.
  4. Decorate with sprinkles while the frosting is still wet for a festive look.

Methods & Tips

  • Softness secret: Using sour cream or yogurt in the dough keeps the cookies soft even after cooling.
  • Even baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for consistent results.
  • Frosting fun: Use piping bags or squeeze bottles for intricate designs.

History of Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies have a rich history dating back to 1700s Europe, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, where they were called “sugar biscuits” and often shaped for holidays. Early settlers brought the tradition to America, where the cookies evolved with festive frostings and sprinkles to become a holiday staple. Decorating sugar cookies became a family ritual, symbolizing joy, creativity, and love.

Formation of the Perfect Holiday Cookie

  1. Texture: Soft, tender center with slightly crisp edges.
  2. Color: Bright red and green frosting evokes holiday cheer.
  3. Taste: Sweet, buttery base with vanilla warmth and the subtle tang from sour cream.
  4. Presentation: Sprinkles add sparkle and make cookies irresistible.

Conclusion

These soft holiday sugar cookies aren’t just desserts—they’re an experience. The act of baking, decorating, and sharing them brings families and friends together, creating memories that outlast the holiday season. One bite, and you’ll understand why these cookies are a festive favorite for cookie lovers everywhere.

For Cookie Lovers

  • Serve with hot chocolate, eggnog, or a glass of milk.
  • Perfect for gift-giving: place in a festive tin or wrap individually in cellophane with a ribbon.
  • Can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months—decorate whenever the holiday spirit strikes!

🎄🍪 Holiday Cookie Lovers’ Tip: If you love soft cookies, don’t overbake. Slightly underdone centers give that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone adores.

If you want, I can also make a step-by-step illustrated version with little tips for perfect frosting designs, so your cookies look like they came from a holiday bakery.

Do you want me to do that?

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