Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are a festive treat that can brighten any holiday gathering. With their soft, cake-like texture and sweet, creamy frosting, these cookies are sure to be a hit! Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as a delightful gift, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland. With the holidays just around the corner, let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that’s bound to become a seasonal favorite!

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: 150
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 80mg

Why Make This Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

These Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are not just delicious – they are a canvas for creativity! You can customize them with different colors of frosting and a variety of sprinkles to match your holiday theme. Their soft and tender texture makes them a delightful treat that melts in your mouth, while the frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for family or preparing goodies for holiday parties, these cookies are sure to please everyone!

How to Make Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Baking these cookies is an easy and rewarding activity! Follow these straightforward steps to create mouthwatering cookies that will fill your home with festive cheer.

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies will bake evenly, giving them that soft, perfect texture.
Step 2: Mixing

In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredient mixture to form a dough.
Step 3: Cooking

Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough into balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden. Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks until completely cool.
Step 4: Finishing

To make the frosting, mix 3-4 cups of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth, adding food coloring if desired. Frost the cooled cookies generously and top with sprinkles for that festive touch.

How to Serve Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Arrange them on a festive platter or in a decorative tin to share with family and friends. Pair the cookies with a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a warm treat that everyone will enjoy!

How to Store Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a longer storage option, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. If freezing, separate the layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps in creating a smooth dough.
Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
If you want thicker frosting, add less milk; for a thinner frosting, add a little more.
Feel free to experiment with different extracts like peppermint or coconut for unique flavor variations.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Frosting: Use cocoa powder added to the powdered sugar for a rich chocolate frosting.
Nut-Free Version: Replace almond extract with additional vanilla extract if you’re cooking for someone with nut allergies.
Decorative Royal Icing: Use a royal icing recipe for a more refined decoration in creative patterns or designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine, but it might alter the cookie’s taste and texture slightly.
How can I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much? Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie shape.
Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can freeze the dough! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with the baking instructions.
What’s the best way to decorate with sprinkles? Add sprinkles right after frosting, while the icing is still wet, so they stick well to the frosting.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick? Simply add a small amount of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that brings joy to the holiday season. They are easy to make and even easier to customize, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking traditions. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them at home, they are sure to bring smiles all around. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy making these sweetly frosted goodies—your taste buds will thank you!