soft frosted christmas cookies recipe
250kcal
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk at room temperature
Frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- food coloring optional
- sprinkles optional, for decorating
Equipment
- electric mixer
- oven
- baking sheet
- wire rack
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined; set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream together the 3/4 cup softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Beat the egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/4 cup of milk, mixing on low speed just until a soft, cohesive dough forms and no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently flatten each ball to about a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a very light golden brown while the centers still look soft and puffy. The cookies will firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by using an electric mixer to beat the 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract on medium speed until the frosting is very smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If desired, beat in a few drops of food coloring until the color is uniform.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, frost the tops generously with the buttercream using a knife or offset spatula. If using, immediately add sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Nutrition
Calories250kcalCarbohydrates38gProtein2gFat11gSaturated Fat7gPolyunsaturated Fat0.5gMonounsaturated Fat3gCholesterol35mgSodium70mgPotassium30mgFiber0.5gSugar28gVitamin A300IUCalcium15mgIron0.7mg
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Add sprinkles immediately after frosting before it sets.