The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats! These soft, pillowy Christmas cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. With their tender texture and delightful flavor, they make a wonderful addition to any festive gathering. Decorate them with colorful icing and sprinkles for a festive touch that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe.
What Makes It Special
What sets these Christmas cookies apart is their incredibly soft and chewy texture, which is achieved by incorporating sour cream into the dough. This not only adds moisture but also a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. The cookies are versatile, allowing you to decorate them in countless ways, making them a fun activity for the whole family. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients (Makes 24 Cookies)
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients:
- Mix in the sour cream until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look slightly puffy. Do not overbake; they should remain soft! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Icing:
- In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring, if desired.
- Decorate the Cookies:
- Spread or drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies. Add holiday sprinkles before the icing sets to ensure they stick.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
These soft Christmas cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season with family and friends. How will you decorate yours—classic red and green or something more creative? We’d love to hear about your cookie-making adventures! Don’t forget to follow us for more delicious recipes and festive ideas. Happy baking! 🎄🍪✨
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