Introduction
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats! One of the most cherished holiday traditions is baking cookies. Soft Christmas cookies, in particular, are a favorite because of their tender texture and delightful flavor. This recipe will guide you through making the best soft Christmas cookies that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup margarine, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients. Having everything ready before you begin will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout the dough. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Sugar
- Softened margarine
Using an electric mixer, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies become light and fluffy.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Chilling the dough is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
After chilling, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Beat in the first egg into the butter mixture. Then, add the second egg along with the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 7: Chill Again
Wrap the dough once more and chill in the refrigerator for another 2 hours. This extra chilling time will enhance the flavors and texture.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve a perfect golden edge on your cookies.
Step 9: Prepare Baking Sheets
Grease two cookie sheets with a bit of margarine or line them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 10: Roll Out the Dough
On a clean, floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use flour to dust your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Step 11: Cut Out Shapes
Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Arrange the cutouts on your prepared cookie sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie. Gather any scraps and reroll the dough as needed.
Step 12: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want them soft and chewy.
Step 13: Cool
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These soft Christmas cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also enhance them with various decorations:
- Icing: Drizzle with royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles before baking for a colorful touch.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips or candies for an extra sweet treat.
Conclusion
Baking soft Christmas cookies is not just about the final product; it’s a wonderful holiday tradition that brings people together. The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the home with warmth and joy, making it a perfect addition to your festive celebrations. Share these cookies with friends and family, or leave them out for Santa on Christmas Eve! Enjoy the sweetness of the season with these delightful treats. Happy baking!