Introduction to Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
As the holidays approach, I find myself returning to my favorite tradition: baking Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies. There’s something so magical about filling my home with the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies, bringing joy to my family and friends. These cookies are not just a treat; they embody the spirit of Christmas, offering a quick solution for busy days when you’re juggling work and holiday preparations. Trust me, these melt-in-your-mouth delights will impress your loved ones, creating sweet memories that last long after the last crumb has vanished.
Why You’ll Love This Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
These Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also bake up in a flash, perfect for busy moms and professionals like us. With their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture, each bite feels like a holiday hug. Plus, you can easily customize them with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch that will delight both young and old alike. Who can resist that?
Ingredients for Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful treats. Remember, the exact measurements can be found at the bottom of the article for your printing convenience.
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our cookies, providing the structure needed for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Baking powder: A crucial leavening agent that helps the cookies rise, giving them a light and airy feel.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor, balancing out the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetener creates the delicious base we all love while helping the cookies achieve that lovely golden hue.
- Margarine: Softened margarine adds richness and moisture, ensuring a buttery texture without needing butter. You can use softened butter if you prefer!
- Large eggs: They add moisture and richness, acting as a binder for all the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: This magical ingredient infuses the cookies with warmth and depth of flavor, making them truly irresistible.
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute butter for margarine or add your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. These variations can make your Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies uniquely yours. Let’s get baking!
How to Make Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
Now that we have everything we need, let’s dive into the heart of baking these scrumptious Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies. I promise you’ll find this process not only simple but also rewarding. Follow along step by step!
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Sifting is crucial; it aerates the flour, preventing clumps and ensuring our cookies remain soft and fluffy. It’s like giving your cookies a light, airy lift!
Step 2: Cream Sugar and Margarine
In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and softened margarine. Use an electric mixer to beat this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. The goal is to blend them well, creating a fluffy base that adds richness. A well-creamed mix helps incorporate air, leading to soft, tender cookies!
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in one egg and beat until blended. Then, add the second egg along with that delightful splash of vanilla extract. The eggs bring moisture and richness, while the vanilla adds a warm, inviting aroma. This is the moment your kitchen starts to smell like Christmas!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture
Gradually add your sifted dry ingredients to the wet concoction. Mix just until a soft dough comes together; this is key! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want those Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies to melt in your mouth, not the other way around.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours. Chilling is essential, making the dough easier to handle and ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape while baking. Plus, it deepens the flavors, giving your cookies a character all their own!
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies come off easily, ready to enchant everyone with their buttery goodness!
Step 7: Roll and Cut the Dough
Take your chilled dough out and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about a 1/4-inch thickness. You want it evenly rolled to ensure uniform cookies. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes! Gather the scraps and re-roll them to minimize waste. Let your creativity shine!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide those cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Watch the edges carefully; you want them to be lightly golden. The centers will remain soft, ensuring that quintessential buttery texture we all crave!
Step 9: Cooling Off
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, transfer your masterpieces to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is vital; it keeps your cookies from getting soggy underneath.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your margarine is fully softened—this makes a big difference in creaming.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it’s key to handling and cookie shape.
- Use a light hand when mixing; overmixing can lead to dry cookies.
- Experiment with cookie shapes for a fun presentation.
- Allow cookies to cool fully on wire racks for the best texture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl works best, but any bowl will do.
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer is great; a whisk works in a pinch.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy, though eyeballing can be fun!
- Baking sheets: Use standard cookie sheets or any flat pan you have.
- Parchment paper: Optional, but it makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
Variations of Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate Chip addition: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a delightful twist that pairs perfectly with the buttery flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the cookies.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a similar texture without gluten.
- Spice it up: Add cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, warm spice flavor that screams holiday spirit.
Serving Suggestions for Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a festive spiced tea for a cozy treat.
- Stack them on a decorative plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful holiday presentation.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
- Include colorful icing or sprinkles for a fun, festive flair that kids will love!
FAQs about Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
Can I use butter instead of margarine for these cookies?
Absolutely! Using butter will give your Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies an even richer flavor. Just ensure it’s softened to cream well with the sugar.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to chill it before rolling and cutting.
Why are my cookies spreading too much while baking?
Cookies may spread if the dough isn’t chilled enough or if the margarine is too soft. Make sure to chill the dough to maintain their shape.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Once cooled, get creative! Use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish that adds a festive touch to your Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies.
Final Thoughts
Baking Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies is more than just a delightful activity; it’s a heartwarming experience that fills your home with joy and laughter. With each cookie you roll, cut, and bake, you’re creating sweet memories that will last long after the holidays are over. These cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying quietly with a cup of tea. So, whether you’re baking alone or with family, the joy of creating something delicious brings everyone together. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home, spreading cheer and warmth during the holiday season!
Print
Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas with its buttery flavor and soft texture.
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup margarine, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and softened margarine together until smooth and creamy.
- Add one egg to the creamed mixture and beat until blended. Add the second egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms while avoiding overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to facilitate handling.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets, gathering scraps to reroll.
- Bake cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure to use softened margarine for better creaming.
- Cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles after cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
