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These melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Cookies have become a must-have holiday tradition for countless families. They boast an incredibly tender texture that's just right for adding festive decorations and enjoying with loved ones. You won't believe how simple they are to whip up, using basic pantry staples that blend perfectly into a delightful seasonal treat. Whether you're baking for a festive gathering or just having fun in the kitchen with family, everyone will adore these goodies. Now let's check out what goes into making these holiday favorites!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of your cookies, delivering that wonderful softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Creates a slight lift, keeping your cookies airy and tender.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Cuts through sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Delivers sweetness while contributing to that melt-away texture.
- 1 cup margarine (softened): Adds buttery goodness and moisture for that irresistible chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Brings everything together and adds necessary dampness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses your cookies with a cozy, rich background flavor.
HOW TO MAKE THEM
- Step 1:
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Put it aside for now.
- Step 2:
- Grab a bigger bowl and beat the sugar and softened margarine with your mixer till they look fluffy and light.
- Step 3:
- Add the first egg, beat well, then pop in the second egg with the vanilla. Mix until everything's combined.
- Step 4:
- Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing just until it comes together. Don't go overboard or your cookies won't be as soft.
- Step 5:
- Cover the dough with plastic and cool it in your fridge for 2 hours so it firms up. This cooling time helps your cookies keep their cute shapes.
- Step 6:
- Get your oven hot at 400°F (200°C) and put some grease on two cookie sheets.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle flour on your counter, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thick, and cut out fun shapes. Place them on your greased sheets.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until you see golden edges. Let them sit on the sheet briefly, then move to a rack to cool completely.
How to Serve and Store
- Enjoy these soft holiday cookies plain or jazz them up with frosting and colorful sprinkles for extra holiday cheer.
- They're wonderful for swapping at cookie exchanges, bringing to holiday gatherings, or giving as heartfelt presents. Tuck them into pretty containers for an extra special touch.
- Keep them fresh in a sealed container at room temp for up to seven days.
- Want to make them ahead? Cool them completely, then pop them in a freezer container. They'll stay good for 3 months. Just let them thaw on the counter before eating or decorating.
Expert Baker Suggestions
- Martha Stewart loves decorating these with royal icing for that perfect traditional holiday appearance.
- Ina Garten says a little sprinkle of sanding sugar before baking gives them a beautiful holiday shimmer.
SWITCHES TO TRY
- Need a gluten-free option? Just swap in your favorite gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Add a dash of holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to bring in more seasonal flavors.
- Don't limit yourself to Christmas shapes - these soft cookies taste amazing year-round with any cookie cutter shapes you fancy.