Soft Christmas Cookies

 Soft Christmas Cookies:

Ingredients:

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ teaspoon almond extract

For Decorating:

Your choice of frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and almond extracts.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

2. Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to make it easier to roll and cut.

3. Shape and Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.

3. Transfer to Baking Sheets: Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Be careful not to overbake.

5. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Decorate:

Once cooled, decorate the cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugar as desired.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

These soft Christmas cookie

s are perfect for decorating with family or as a festive treat for holiday gatherings!