Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are a festive delight that fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of baking. These cookies are soft, creamy, and topped with a sweet frosting that makes them a favorite during the holiday season. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies bring a touch of cheer to any occasion.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
Why Make This Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies
These Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat; they embody the spirit of the holidays. Their light, fluffy texture makes them delightful to eat, while the creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles add a festive touch. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, the kid-friendly preparation process makes it a great way to bond with loved ones during the holiday season.
How to Make Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for your delicious cookies. Gather all the ingredients, so you have everything at your fingertips for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender texture in your cookies. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined, adding a wonderfully aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Cooking
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture. Use a spatula or your hands if preferred to combine them well. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass for an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are just golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on wire racks before moving on to the frosting.
Step 4: Finishing
For the frosting, in a bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is sweet and pairs perfectly with the cookies. Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost each cookie generously and top with colorful sprinkles if desired.
How to Serve Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies
Serve these delicious cookies on a festive platter, alongside a glass of milk or a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced cider. They make an excellent treat for holiday parties, and don’t forget to leave some out for Santa! You can also package them in decorative tins to give as gifts.
How to Store Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies
To keep your Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the frosting; they can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Frost them right before serving for the best taste and freshness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should look slightly underbaked in the center for a soft texture.
- Feel free to add festive flavorings such as peppermint extract to the frosting for a holiday twist.
- Experiment with different types of sprinkles or edible glitter for an added touch of holiday cheer.
- For an easier clean-up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip Frosted Cookies: Mix in mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delightful surprise.
- Lemon Frosting: Replace the vanilla in the frosting with lemon extract for a citrusy twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
- Food Coloring: Use food coloring to tint the frosting to match your holiday theme or personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with a little less flour and add as needed to achieve the right dough consistency. -
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you prefer not to use almond extract, you can replace it with additional vanilla extract or other flavoring extracts like hazelnut or coconut. -
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookies and store them in an airtight container for several days before frosting and serving. -
How can I achieve different frosting flavors?
Experiment by adding different extracts such as peppermint, orange, or even a hint of coffee to create unique frosting options. -
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, simply add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season, bringing joy and sweetness to your home. Their soft texture, delicious frosting, and festive appearance make them a must-try for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and create some magical memories in the kitchen this holiday season!
Print
Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive cookies topped with creamy frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Colorful sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in dry ingredients until combined. Roll dough into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets, flattening slightly.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden around the edges. Cool on wire racks.
- For frosting, beat together powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until creamy. Frost cooled cookies and top with sprinkles.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can freeze cookies without frosting for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
