Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Strawberry Jargarita

Strawberry Jargarita

Prepration Time
  • 5–10 minutes
Total Time
  • 10 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 10 minutes
Total Time
  • 10 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Orange Creamsicle Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 5 minutes
Total Time
  • 5 minutes
Cherry Margarita

Italian Cherry Margarita

Prepration Time
  • 5 minutes
Total Time
  • 5 minutes
Prepration Time
  • 8–10 minutes
Total Time
  • 40–50 minutes
Serving
  • 36 cookies

Ingradients

For the Cookies:
  • 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for depth — enhances holiday flavor)
For Decorating (Optional):
  • Royal icing, buttercream, or glaze
  • Sprinkles, colored sugar, edible glitter
  • Food coloring (gel preferred)

Directions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  2. Cream Butter & Sugar:

    • In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

  3. Add Wet Ingredients:

    • Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until smooth.

  4. Combine:

    • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.

  5. Chill the Dough:

    • Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (or up to 2 days). This prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.

  6. Preheat Oven & Roll:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼–½ inch thickness.
    • Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowmen, bells, etc.) to cut shapes.

  7. Bake:

    • Place cookies 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
    • Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden.
    • Centers should still look soft — they firm up as they cool.

  8. Cool & Decorate:

    • Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
    • Decorate once completely cooled with icing, sprinkles, or sugar.

Pros:

  1. Perfectly Soft & Tender: Not crisp — stays soft for days.
  2. Holds Shape Well: Ideal for cutting and decorating.
  3. Kid-Friendly: Great for holiday baking with children.
  4. Freezer-Friendly: Dough or baked cookies freeze beautifully.
  5. Festive & Gift-Ready: Beautiful on cookie trays or in tins.

Cons:

  1. Contains Sugar (7g per cookie): Not suitable for diabetics or low-sugar diets.
  2. Low in Protein & Fiber: Not a nutritious snack on its own.
  3. Chilling Required: Needs planning ahead (1–2 hours).
  4. Gluten & Dairy Present: Not suitable for gluten-sensitive or lactose-intolerant individuals.
  5. Decorating Adds Sugar: Royal icing and sprinkles increase sugar content significantly.

Suitability for Aged People (65+ years)

✅ Generally Suitable — With Care:

  • Soft Texture: Easy to chew and enjoy, even with dentures.
  • Comforting & Nostalgic: Holiday flavors boost mood and memories.

🔹 Recommendations for Seniors:

  • Serve in small portions (1–2 cookies) to manage sugar intake.
  • Pair with tea or warm milk for easier swallowing.
  • Use lower-sugar icing or decorate with cinnamon or nutmeg instead.
  • Avoid if managing diabetes, heart disease, or weight.

Who Should Avoid or Modify This Recipe?

Condition
Reason
Suggested Modification
Diabetes
High sugar (7g+ with icing); causes blood glucose spikes.
Use sugar-free sweeteners and low-glycemic icing.
Heart Disease
Saturated fat from butter.
Use plant-based butter (in moderation).
Lactose Intolerance
Butter contains dairy.
Use dairy-free butter alternative.
Gluten Sensitivity
Contains all-purpose flour.
Use certified gluten-free flour blend.
Food Allergies
Contains eggs, dairy, wheat.
Use allergy-safe substitutes (e.g., flax egg, GF flour).
Dental Issues
Sticky icing or hard sprinkles may damage dentures.
Serve plain or with soft toppings.
Obesity / Weight Loss
High in calories and sugar for a snack.
Limit to 1 cookie occasionally; offer fruit instead.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value
Calories
110
Total Fat
6g
8%
Saturated Fat
3.5g
18%
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
15mg
5%
Sodium
60mg
3%
Total Carbohydrate
14g
5%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Total Sugars
7g
Protein
1g
2%
Vitamin A
90 IU
2%
Vitamin C
0mg
0%
Calcium
10mg
1%
Iron
0.8mg
4%
Potassium
20mg
0%