Christmas is a magical time, isn’t it? The air is crisp, the lights twinkle like stars, and everywhere you turn, there’s the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through cozy homes. One of my fondest memories is baking sugar cookies with my grandma during the holidays. We would mix the dough, cut out festive shapes, and decorate them with bright icing. I can still feel the thrill of biting into one of those glossy cookies, soft, buttery, and utterly delightful! Today, I want to share with you my version of those cookies—the Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth. These cookies are fluffy, tender, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or leaving out for Santa. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
- Soft and chewy texture that just melts in your mouth.
- Customizable shapes and decorations to suit any holiday theme.
- Great for gifting or cookie exchanges.
- They smell divine as they bake – instant holiday cheer in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but it adds an amazing depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting or decorating
- Colored sprinkles, if you’d like to make them festive!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into the cookie-making adventure? Let’s do this!
- Prep your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and come off easily!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents for perfect rise.
- Beat the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is well combined. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks smooth and shiny.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until no flour is visible; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each cookie because they will spread slightly during baking. You can take this opportunity to flatten them just a bit for uniformity.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look soft and slightly underbaked—that’s the secret to softness!
- Cool and dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar or decorate with your favorite icing and sprinkles. Enjoy the aroma filling your home!
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to add a little twist to these cookies? Here are some fun ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, festive flavor.
- Swap it out: If you’re in the mood for something different, try substituting a quarter of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate sugar cookies!
- Go fruity: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Decorate: Think outside the icing box! Instead of traditional frosting, coat them with chocolate or rolled in chopped nuts before baking for a crunchy surprise.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they’re also fantastic when served with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider during your holiday gatherings. Picture this: a platter of these gorgeous cookies sitting on your kitchen counter, dusted with powdered sugar, and surrounded by twinkling fairy lights. Set them out for guests along with some fun holiday-themed plates and a glass jar full of milk for dipping. They’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Storage Tips
Want to keep some cookies for later? Here’s how to store them perfectly:
- Room temperature: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them! Just layer the cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth.
- Reviving leftovers: If they dry out a bit, you can always warm them gently in the oven (300°F for 5-10 minutes) or microwave them for a few seconds. They’ll be just like new!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Can I use a flavored extract other than vanilla?
Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with various extracts like peppermint or coconut. Just remember to adjust the amount to avoid overpowering the cookie.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to the butter being too warm or using too little flour. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and make sure to measure your flour accurately.
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Definitely! Royal icing is a great option for decorating sugar cookies. Just wait until the cookies are completely cool before you start decorating. It’s a fun way to get creative with your holiday cookie designs!
Can I double this recipe?
Of course! This recipe doubles quite well if you have a big crowd to please or just want to stock up for the holidays. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets for all those cookies!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth with your loved ones. There’s something truly special about gathering in the kitchen, creating treats that bring a smile and warmth to the season. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with love and delicious cookies!
Print
Irresistible Soft Xmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in these meltinyourmouth Xmas sugar cookies Perfectly soft they bring joy to your holiday celebrations with their delightful taste
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Delightful sugar cookies that are soft, fluffy, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
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