Get ready to transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these irresistibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe! Imagine the delightful aroma of buttery, vanilla-infused cookies filling your home, topped with a luscious, smooth frosting that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are guaranteed to become your new holiday tradition that will create memories sweeter than the treats themselves!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and white sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe frosting onto the tops of the cookies. Allow frosting to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest mixing and best texture.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- For festive variations, experiment with different food coloring or add sprinkles to the frosting.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want slightly thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Store cookies in a single layer to maintain their beautiful frosted tops.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
