If you’re dreaming of a sweet, tender treat that perfectly captures the joy and warmth of the season, then you simply must try this Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy cookie infused with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with colorful, festive sprinkles that bring out the holiday spirit. These cookies are not only irresistibly delicious but also wonderfully simple to make, making them a staple for any celebration or cozy winter gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, and each one plays a special role in bringing these Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe to life. From the blend of warm spices to the creamy sour cream and the festive sprinkles, every ingredient adds its own magic.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing the perfect structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances the leavening for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic holiday warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle nutty spice to the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A pinch for aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness.
- 1/2 cup shortening: Keeps the cookies soft and moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Offers a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warmth.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: The secret to unbelievably soft texture and tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: Brings colorful, festive charm to the cookies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For making the smooth, sweet icing.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts icing consistency perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor finesse to the icing.
- Food coloring (optional): For creative pops of holiday color on your icing.
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures the warm spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to getting that perfect flavor and texture in every bite.
Step 2: Cream the Fats and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth. The sour cream is the star ingredient that adds moisture and tang, making these cookies incredibly tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make cookies dense, so mix gently to maintain that light softness.
Step 5: Prepare and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, aiming for cookies that are set around the edges but still soft inside. This timing ensures a chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Cool and Ice the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using) until smooth. Spread the icing over each cookie and sprinkle generously with your holiday sprinkles. This final touch turns these tender treats into festive showstoppers.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While the holiday sprinkles add instant charm, consider adding crushed peppermint candy or chopped nuts for extra texture and a refreshing twist. A light dusting of edible glitter can also make these cookies sparkle on your holiday dessert table.
Side Dishes
These Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect companions to warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced chai, or a creamy latte. A glass of cold milk also complements their sweetness wonderfully, making them a cozy treat for any time of day during the holidays.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive flair, arrange the iced cookies on a decorative holiday platter or stack them in a clear jar tied with a bright ribbon for gifting. You can also use themed cookie tins or create a cookie bouquet by attaching sticks to the cookies and wrapping them with cellophane. Presentation adds a playful and heartfelt touch to your holiday celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay soft and flavorful for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread inside the container; it helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies tender.
Freezing
You can freeze baked, iced cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze solid, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the softness and makes the icing just slightly melty—pure comfort in each bite.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While you can substitute whole wheat flour, it may slightly change the texture and color, making cookies denser and less soft. For best results, stick to all-purpose flour or use a mix of half all-purpose and half whole wheat.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can replace sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both provide similar moisture and tang, essential for the soft texture of these cookies.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How long do these cookies stay soft?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe stay soft for up to 5 days. Freezing them can extend their shelf life even further.
Can I make the icing without food coloring?
Absolutely! The icing is delicious on its own with just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Food coloring is purely optional to add festive hues and coordinate with your holiday theme.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing freshly baked Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe with loved ones during the holidays. Their tender crumb, festive decorations, and comforting spices make them a beloved treat that everyone will ask for year after year. So, go ahead and fill your kitchen with the warmth and cheer of this delightful recipe—you really can’t go wrong with a cookie this soft, colorful, and utterly festive!
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies with Iced Holiday Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring a tender crumb enriched with warm spices and sour cream, they are topped with a sweet, colorful icing and sprinkles to brighten any cookie platter. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, these cookies stay soft for days when stored properly.
Ingredients
Dried Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Icing and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar, 1/2 cup
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined to evenly distribute the spices.
- Cream Fats and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in texture, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated to develop a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream carefully to keep the batter smooth and moist, which will contribute to a soft cookie texture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintain softness.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft to the touch, giving them a delicate chew.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely to prepare for icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (starting with 2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract until smooth, adding more milk if necessary to reach spreading consistency. Add food coloring if desired for festive appearance.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the icing onto the cooled cookies and immediately decorate with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar to create a festive look.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, divide the icing into multiple small bowls and tint each with different holiday colors before decorating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
