Name: Soft Christmas Cookie: 7 Tips for the Perfect Batch
Prep time: 21 min
Cook time: PT-491587H20M44S
Total time: 2 h 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick salted butter, softened; 2 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1½ cups sugar; 2 large eggs; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; Red & Green sanding sugar

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Soft Christmas Cookie is the highlight of my holiday baking. This Classic Christmas Cookies recipe offers soft, tender, and perfectly sweet treats ideal for holiday celebrations. Made with a blend of butter, cream cheese, and warm vanilla and almond extracts, these sugar cookies are delightfully soft with a hint of chewiness. Each bite is a festive reminder of the warmth and joy that the season brings!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Cookie

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe for Soft Christmas Cookie. First, the cookies are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them a perfect addition to any holiday platter. The use of cream cheese adds a tender texture that is simply irresistible. You’ll also love how easy they are to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, the festive red and green sanding sugar makes them a beautiful centerpiece. This recipe is not just for the holidays; the cookies can be enjoyed year-round as a soft holiday cookie or a chewy Christmas cookie. Best of all, they make delightful gifts for friends and family. With a total time of just 2 hours and 21 minutes, you’ll have a batch of delicious treats ready in no time!

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Cookie

Gather these items:

1 stick salted butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ cups sugar
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Red & Green sanding sugar

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookie Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, add softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Scrape down the sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, blend all ingredients until a soft dough forms and is well combined.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 2 hours to firm up and enhance texture.
Step 4: Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 5: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to create a criss-cross pattern on the top.
Step 7: Sprinkle red and green sanding sugar onto each cookie dough ball to give them a festive holiday look.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Do not overbake; the cookies should look slightly undercooked and not browned on the edges for soft, tender results.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soft Christmas Cookie

Keep these in mind:

The dough needs to chill for at least 2 hours for the best texture.
Do not overbake for soft cookies.
For extra tenderness, consider adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Christmas Cookie

These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also make excellent additions to holiday dessert trays alongside other festive sweets. Consider pairing them with a soft-baked gingerbread cookie or a slice of spiced cake for a delightful spread. For gifting, stack them in clear bags tied with festive ribbons!

How to Store and Reheat Soft Christmas Cookie

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Christmas Cookie

What’s the secret to perfect Soft Christmas Cookie?

The key to perfect soft Christmas cookies lies in the chilling process and not overbaking them. Keeping the dough cold helps maintain that soft, chewy texture, while baking them just until set ensures that they remain tender.

Can I make Soft Christmas Cookie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it or freeze it for later use. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soft Christmas Cookie?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure that your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. Measure your flour correctly, and always chill the dough. This will help you achieve the best results with your moist Christmas cookie recipe.

Variations of Soft Christmas Cookie You Can Try

There are plenty of fun variations to explore! Try adding different extracts or spices, like peppermint or nutmeg, to create unique flavors. You could also incorporate festive mix-ins such as chocolate chips or dried fruit for a twist. For a holiday-themed twist, use cookie cutters to shape your cookies into fun festive designs!

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