Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Best Festive Treats

Get ready to fill your home with the sweet aroma of the holidays with these Best Soft Christmas Cookies. Passed down through generations, these cookies are a beloved tradition in my family, and now I’m excited to share them with you. Baking these cookies with my loved ones always brings back cherished memories and adds that special touch of magic to the season.

These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a symbol of togetherness and joy. Whether you’re cutting them into festive shapes or adding colorful sprinkles, the process of decorating these soft cookies is a delightful way to bond with family and friends. The secret to their softness lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and chilling the dough just right, resulting in a tender bite that melts in your mouth.

With their hint of vanilla and buttery goodness, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re sharing them on a cookie platter or packaging them up as homemade gifts, these Best Soft Christmas Cookies are a festive delight that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some delicious holiday memories with this timeless recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Tender and Soft Bite: The combination of margarine and precise flour balance results in a tender, soft texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Substitutions: Easily swap margarine for unsalted butter or use a flax egg substitute for an egg-free option without compromising the softness of the cookies.
• Extended Freshness: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to seven days or freeze them for up to three months, maintaining their softness and flavor for longer periods.
• Festive Decorating: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie platters or as homemade gifts and can be beautifully decorated with icing, edible glitter, or sprinkles to suit any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Best Festive Treats Recipe

• The soft, tender texture of these cookies will melt in your mouth, making them irresistible for anyone who loves a delicate treat.
• The nostalgic aroma of vanilla and the sweet memories associated with holiday baking will fill your home and heart with warmth and joy.
• These cookies are perfect for creating new traditions with your family, whether it’s for a cookie swap, holiday gifts, or simply enjoying together during the festive season.
• The versatility of this recipe allows for customization with various decorations like icing, glitter, and sprinkles, making them a fun and creative activity for all ages.
• With the option to use butter for a richer flavor or make them dairy-free, this recipe accommodates different preferences and dietary needs without compromising on taste.
• The ease of storing these cookies for up to seven days or freezing them for later enjoyment makes them a convenient and practical choice for busy holiday preparations.
• The process of cutting, decorating, and sharing these cookies is a heartwarming tradition that can bring generations together in the kitchen, creating lasting memories and bonding experiences.
• The precise balance of ingredients and chilling the dough ensure that the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a perfect combination of a golden edge and soft center.
• Biting into these cookies, whether plain or with a layer of raspberry jam, promises a delightful taste that embodies the essence of festive cheer and the spirit of the holiday season.

Ingredients for Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Best Festive Treats

Dough

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 300 grams white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 470 grams all-purpose flour
• 225 grams margarine, softened
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

Pro Tips for Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Best Festive Treats

Pro Tip 1: For extra flavorful cookies, consider using homemade vanilla extract like the author’s grandmother did. It can elevate the taste and bring back special holiday memories.

Pro Tip 2: To ensure the cookies stay soft and fresh, layer them with parchment paper when storing in an airtight tin. Additionally, freezing the baked cookies or dough can extend their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy these treats for up to three months.

Pro Tip 3: Chilling the dough before rolling it out not only helps the cookies retain their shape during baking but also contributes to a tender, soft texture. Remember to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges just start to turn golden for perfectly soft centers. Experiment with different decorations like icing, sprinkles, or even sandwiching cookies with raspberry jam to add a fun twist to this classic recipe.

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Best Festive Treats

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Margarine

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat white sugar and softened margarine until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Mix the first egg into the creamed mixture until well blended. Then, add the second egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to make it easier to work with.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 200°C and lightly grease two baking sheets.

Step 7: Roll and Shape Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 6 mm. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, arrange them on baking sheets, and reroll any scraps.

Step 8: Bake

Place each batch in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Best Soft Christmas Cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight tin at room temperature. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from becoming stale. These cookies can be stored this way for up to seven days, keeping them fresh for enjoying throughout the holiday season. Additionally, to freeze the baked cookies, tightly wrap them and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight before serving.

These cookies are not only delicious for your own family but also make wonderful homemade gifts or additions to holiday cookie platters. To add a festive touch, decorate the cookies with icing, edible glitter, or sprinkles. For a fun twist, consider sandwiching two cookies with a thin layer of raspberry jam. Remember to enjoy the tradition of cutting and decorating these cookies, a ritual that brings generations together in the kitchen during the winter season. Whether shared with loved ones or savored quietly, these Best Soft Christmas Cookies are sure to bring joy and nostalgia to your holiday celebrations.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer to use butter instead of margarine in this recipe, it can be a suitable substitution for a richer flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may vary slightly. Butter adds a delicious depth of flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the cookies.

For those looking to make these cookies egg-free, you can use a flax egg substitute as a binding agent. This will help maintain the soft and tender texture of the cookies while catering to dietary restrictions or preferences. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace each egg in the recipe.

If you are aiming to make dairy-free cookies, ensure that the margarine you use is plant-based. This simple swap can help create a dairy-free version of these soft Christmas cookies without compromising on taste or texture. Plant-based margarine can provide a similar consistency to traditional margarine while meeting your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a whimsical twist on serving these Best Soft Christmas Cookies, try creating cookie sandwiches filled with a layer of raspberry jam. The combination of the tender, vanilla-infused cookies with the sweet and slightly tart jam will add a burst of flavor to each bite. Not only will these cookie sandwiches look adorable on a holiday platter, but they will also delight your guests with a surprise filling.

To elevate these cookies for a festive occasion, consider turning them into edible ornaments. Use a straw to poke a hole in the top of each cookie before baking, then once cooled, thread a colorful ribbon through the hole to hang them on a tree. These edible decorations will not only add a charming touch to your holiday decor but will also provide a delicious treat for your guests to enjoy throughout the season.

FAQs for Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Best Festive Treats

Can I substitute butter for margarine in this recipe?

Yes, butter can be substituted for margarine for a richer flavor, though the texture may slightly vary.

Why is it important to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up for rolling and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

When the edges just turn golden, usually after 6-8 minutes, remove them from the oven for soft centers.

Can I add decorations like icing or sprinkles to these cookies?

Absolutely, you can add icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar after cooling for a festive touch.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these Best Soft Christmas Cookies, remember that the joy of baking and sharing them is what truly makes them special. These cookies have the power to create lasting memories and traditions that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie swap, a holiday gathering, or simply to enjoy with your loved ones at home, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and happiness to all who taste them.

So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and let the sweet aroma of these Best Soft Christmas Cookies fill your home with holiday cheer. The simple act of baking and decorating these cookies is a magical experience that brings people together and spreads love and joy. Embrace the tradition, create new memories, and savor every delicious bite of these soft and delightful treats. Happy baking and happy holidays with the Best Soft Christmas Cookies!