### **Soft Christmas Cookies**
#### **Introduction:**
Soft Christmas cookies are a holiday classic, bringing joy to family gatherings, cookie swaps, and festive celebrations. With their tender texture, rich flavor, and delightful sweetness, these cookies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Often decorated with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or powdered sugar, they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat. This recipe offers the perfect balance of soft, chewy dough and the warmth of holiday spices, making it a favorite treat for children and adults alike.
#### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
The tradition of baking cookies for Christmas dates back to the early days of Christmas celebrations in Europe. The practice of giving cookies, especially decorated ones, has been a part of many cultural traditions, from German Lebkuchen (gingerbread) to the English shortbread. Over time, cookies became a popular way to express holiday spirit and share in the joy of the season. In the U.S., soft sugar cookies, often adorned with festive icing and sprinkles, gained popularity in the 20th century and became a beloved part of the Christmas season. Baking Christmas cookies together is often a cherished holiday activity that brings families and friends together to celebrate and create memories.
#### **Ingredients & Quantity:**
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
– 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra softness)
– Colored sprinkles, powdered sugar, or icing for decoration (optional)
#### **Optional Additions:**
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor
– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a richer, chocolatey twist
– Zest of 1 orange or lemon for a citrusy touch
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes for a minty crunch
– 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
– 1/4 cup rainbow or holiday-themed sprinkles for decoration
#### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Use Room Temperature Butter:** Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This will help the dough come together smoothly and result in a tender cookie.
2. **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
3. **Chill the Dough:** If you have time, chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
4. **Don’t Overbake:** These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy, so be sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
5. **Decorate While Warm:** For easy frosting or sprinkling, decorate the cookies while they are still warm, but not too hot.
#### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. **Add Egg and Extracts:** Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated.
5. **Add Sour Cream:** Mix in the sour cream, which will give the cookies their soft texture.
6. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing the dough.
7. **Scoop and Shape the Dough:** Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into balls (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers for a more even shape.
8. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still look soft.
9. **Cool and Decorate:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles, powdered sugar, or frosting as desired.
#### **Description:**
Soft Christmas cookies are a delightful combination of light, fluffy dough with a subtle richness from the butter and sour cream. The vanilla and almond extracts lend a warm, aromatic flavor, while the optional spices or additions like citrus zest or chocolate chips can elevate the taste. The cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible, and their festive decorations add a cheerful touch that enhances their appeal. Whether decorated with a dusting of powdered sugar, a layer of frosting, or colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a sweet and inviting treat that embodies the joy of the holiday season.
#### **Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Based on 24 Servings):**
– **Calories:** 150
– **Protein:** 1g
– **Fat:** 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– **Carbohydrates:** 21g
– Fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 10g
– **Cholesterol:** 25mg
– **Sodium:** 85mg
– **Calcium:** 20mg
– **Iron:** 1mg
**Note:** Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
#### **Conclusion:**
Soft Christmas cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings together the flavors and spirit of Christmas in every bite. Their soft, chewy texture and sweet, buttery taste make them a favorite for both children and adults. Whether you bake them to enjoy with family or share them at a holiday party, these cookies are sure to brighten any occasion. Their versatility means you can experiment with different flavors, textures, and decorations, making them a perfect canvas for creativity during the festive season.
#### **Recommendation:**
This recipe is highly recommended for anyone looking to bake a batch of holiday cookies that are both easy to make and delicious. These cookies are perfect for family baking sessions, cookie swaps, or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors. Pair them with a warm mug of hot cocoa or milk for an extra special treat. For a more festive touch, consider decorating the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or even small candies to add a fun and personal flair.
#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence:**
While these soft Christmas cookies are undeniably indulgent, there are a few ways to make them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar content. You can also swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber. To make the cookies even lighter, you can use a lighter butter alternative, such as unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based butter. Additionally, adding more wholesome ingredients like oats or finely chopped nuts can increase the nutritional value while still maintaining the festive flavor. These small adjustments allow you to enjoy the holiday treat while making it a bit more health-conscious.