Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, and nothing brings that festive cheer quite like the best soft Christmas cookies. Trust me, these cookies are not just soft; they’re like little bites of joy that melt in your mouth, making them an instant hit at any holiday gathering. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or just indulging in some self-care, these cookies are sure to spread warmth and happiness. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare the Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture. While that’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll want to avoid any cookie casualties!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to really mix it well—this helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour. I like to use a whisk for this because it aerates the flour too, which is important for achieving that light, fluffy texture in your cookies. Just a minute or two of whisking goes a long way!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Now, it’s time to cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the butter, helping your cookies become wonderfully soft and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks light in color and has a lovely creamy consistency!
Combining Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated. This is where the magic happens! The eggs add moisture and richness, while the extracts bring that delicious holiday flavor. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch any sneaky butter or sugar hiding out; we want everything blended together beautifully!
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! This step is key to keeping your cookies soft and tender. If you see a few streaks of flour, that’s totally fine. We’re looking for a soft dough that will hold its shape when dropped onto the baking sheet.
Adding Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips and any optional nuts you’re using. I find that using a spatula works best for this step—you want to maintain the integrity of the dough while ensuring an even distribution of those sweet chocolatey morsels. Just a few gentle folds should do the trick!
Baking the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for just a hint of golden edges. The centers should look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Wow, the aroma is going to be heavenly!
Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is super important because it helps them set up just right. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures they maintain that soft, chewy texture we’re after. I can’t wait for you to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Incredibly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Loaded with chocolate chips for that ultimate sweet indulgence.
- Festively flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, bringing holiday cheer to every bite.
- Customizable with your choice of nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect cookies, start by measuring your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overpacking and ensures a light texture. Also, using a cookie scoop can help you create uniform dough balls, leading to even baking. And remember, don’t skip the cooling step; it’s vital for that soft, chewy finish!
Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies! You can swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. If you’re a chocolate lover, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of the usual semi-sweet. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking can elevate the flavor to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information Section
As you embark on this delightful baking adventure, it’s essential to keep in mind that nutritional data can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. For reference, here’s a general breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
However, please note that these values might not be precise and can vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Always feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs or preferences! Enjoy your baking!
Serving Suggestions
These best soft Christmas cookies are perfect for sharing, and there are so many delightful ways to enjoy them! Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk for that classic combination, or serve with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, arrange them on a beautiful platter, perhaps alongside some holiday-themed decorations or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They’re not just cookies; they’re a part of your holiday celebrations!
Your Turn
I can’t wait to hear how your best soft Christmas cookies turn out! Please leave a comment below to share your experiences or any fun twists you tried. Did you add a special ingredient or decorate them in a unique way? I love seeing your versions on social media too, so don’t forget to tag me! Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and delicious cookies!
Print
Best Soft Christmas Cookies: 5 Steps to Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe yields the best soft Christmas cookies, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For variations, you can substitute chocolate chips with dried fruits or different types of chocolate.
- Consider using a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: soft Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, best Christmas cookies
