Soft Christmas Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

Soft Christmas cookies with a tender texture, perfect for holiday celebrations. Decorate with sprinkles or icing for a festive touch that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 sticks oleo or margarine
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients together.
  2. Cut in oleo or margarine until mixture resembles cornmeal.
  3. Blend in eggs, water, and vanilla until combined.
  4. Roll out on a floured board to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  5. Cut out cookies with Christmas cookie cutters.
  6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 7 to 8 minutes.
  7. Do not let cookies brown.
  8. Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles or icing if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, ensure not to overmix the dough after adding wet ingredients. You can substitute oleo or margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want to add a festive twist, incorporate spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. For a unique variation, consider trying these cookies with a hint of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

These Soft Christmas Cookies pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a spiced holiday tea. For an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a platter of Oatmeal Raw Apple Cookies or a bowl of icing and sprinkles for decorating. They make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings and are perfect for cookie exchanges.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their soft texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Christmas Cookies contains roughly 637 calories, with 12g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2534mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).

637 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.2g 24% DV
Total Fat 10g 13% DV
Carbs 126g 46% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2533.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 723.6mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 247.5mg 82% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 97.4mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Calcium 388.6mg 30% DV
Iron 4.4mg 25% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and then freeze them, allowing you to serve freshly baked cookies whenever you like.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gelatinous). This keeps the cookies moist while making them suitable for vegan diets.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

You can enhance the festive appeal by adding colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles on top before baking. Another idea is to incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruit into the dough for added texture and color, making them a vibrant addition to your holiday cookie platter.

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).

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