Description
Christmas cookies shine with nostalgic charm, inviting memories of festive family gatherings. Sweet, buttery morsels melt on your palate, delivering classic holiday comfort with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Soft Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 23 tablespoons (359 ml) heavy cream
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red, green, or any preferred colors)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Craft the foundational cookie mixture by whisking softened butter and granulated sugar until light and airy. Incorporate the egg, pure vanilla essence, and tangy sour cream, blending until the texture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Sift together the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, leavening agents, and a pinch of salt – ensuring no lumps remain. Gradually fold these powdery components into the creamy wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a delicate consistency.
- Utilize a precise cookie scoop to form uniform dough spheres, strategically positioning them on parchment-lined baking trays. Apply gentle pressure using the flat bottom of a glass, creating subtle circular impressions across each cookie.
- Position the prepared tray into a preheated oven at 350°F. Monitor the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges that signal perfect doneness. Allow minimal resting time on the hot tray before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the luxurious frosting by whipping butter until exceptionally fluffy. Gradually integrate powdered sugar and rich cream, creating a silky smooth texture. Enhance with vanilla extract and optional food coloring for festive visual appeal. Delicately spread the frosting across completely cooled cookies and embellish with cheerful sprinkles.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.
- Prevent over-mixing the dough to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dense results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg