Gramma'S Soft Christmas Cookie
Soft, flavorful Christmas cookies with warm spices and a tender texture, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla; set aside.
- Combine salt, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and flour.
- Add flour mixture to the shortening mixture.
- Begin adding buttermilk as the flour/shortening mixture gets dry.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight.
- Roll out the dough onto a floured surface.
- Cut out cookies about 1/4-inch thick.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cool cookies, then frost with your favorite frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, ensure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. You can also experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. If you prefer a spiced version, consider increasing the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly for a more robust taste.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. Consider frosting them with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. For a festive touch, sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies, separating layers with parchment paper. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gramma'S Soft Christmas Cookie contains roughly 590 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight as instructed. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors. Just make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
What type of frosting works best?
A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with these cookies. You can also opt for a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option. If you want to get creative, try a spiced frosting to complement the cookie's flavors.
Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the cookie's texture and flavor. Try substituting a portion of the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit if you're looking for a healthier option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).