Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread)

When the holidays roll around, nothing brings more joy to the kitchen than baking a batch of Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread). These charming little treats are the ultimate festive delight, combining a tender, soft crumb with just the right hint of sweetness. What makes them truly special is their ability to bake perfectly in place, without spreading all over your baking sheet, giving you those beautiful shapes that hold up just right for decorating or gifting. Whether you’re new to holiday baking or a seasoned cookie connoisseur, these cookies will quickly become a treasured tradition.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the foundation for creating these delightful Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread). Each ingredient plays a crucial role in giving you that soft yet sturdy texture that holds the perfect shape and flavor every time.

• All-purpose flour, 2 ¾ cups: The base of our dough providing structure and the right softness without spreading.
• Softened butter, 1 cup: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay tender.
• Sugar, 1 cup: Sweetness that balances the flavors and helps create a lightly crisp edge.
• Egg, 1: Binds all ingredients together, contributing to that soft interior.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Infuses the cookie dough with warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• Baking powder, ½ tsp: A gentle leavening agent to keep cookies light without spreading.
• Salt, ½ tsp: Enhances all the natural flavors making each bite pop.
• Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional): Adds festive sparkle and fun texture on top for holiday cheer.

How to Make Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until they become light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps give your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Take your time here, as a well-creamed mixture ensures everything binds beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly until fully combined. The egg will help bind your dough, and the vanilla will infuse a warm, inviting scent that’s synonymous with holiday baking happiness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This distribution of leavening and seasoning ensures your Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) rise just enough without losing their shape or softness.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet batter. Mix gently until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to bring it together—so your cookies stay tender and won’t become tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 1 hour. This chilling step is vital for controlling spread while baking, guaranteeing your festive shapes stay crisp and defined.

Step 6: Roll Out and Cut

Once chilled, roll out the dough to roughly a 0.5 centimeter thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to shape the dough. This is where the holiday spirit comes alive, so have fun with your cookie designs!

Step 7: Add Your Sprinkles

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and add a sprinkle of colored sugar or festive sprinkles if you like. This little touch adds a beautiful and cheerful finish before baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the edges turning just lightly golden while the centers stay soft. This baking time is what gives the cookies that perfect Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) texture.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool fully on the baking sheet. This cooling step lets them firm up nicely while maintaining their signature soft, chewy inside—ready for you to enjoy or share!

How to Serve Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread)

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can take these cookies to a new level of holiday magic. Sprinkles or colored sugar work perfectly for festive flair too, especially when you want to wow guests or delight little hands.

Side Dishes

Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a strong cup of coffee. These beverages complement the sugar cookie’s buttery warmth and enhance the entire holiday experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a trio of cookies tied with a red velvet ribbon as a charming gift. You can also arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of pine and cranberries for an eye-catching centerpiece. Presentation is your chance to share the warmth and love these cookies bring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps them retain their beautifully soft texture while keeping them fresh for snacking all week long.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and the dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, cut, and bake as usual. Baked cookies freeze well too—place them in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper.

Reheating

To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and brings back that freshly baked feeling we all crave during the holidays.

FAQs

Why do my Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) sometimes spread too much?

Overly warm dough or too much butter can cause spreading. Make sure you chill the dough well before baking and measure your ingredients accurately to maintain the perfect shape. Also, baking at the right temperature is key to keeping cookies from spreading.

Can I use a different type of sugar for these cookies?

Yes! Granulated white sugar works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with superfine sugar for an even smoother texture or a bit of brown sugar for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that changes might slightly affect the softness and spread.

How do I make my cookies softer for longer?

Storing cookies with a slice of bread in an airtight container can help keep them soft. The bread releases moisture that the cookies absorb. Also, avoid overbaking and cool them on the baking sheet to retain moisture.

Are these cookies good for decorating with icing?

Absolutely! Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) have a sturdy surface perfect for royal icing or glaze. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to ensure a smooth finish that won’t slide off.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, with some adjustments. Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum usually works best. Be sure to check your blend for best results, as texture can vary slightly compared to regular flour.

Final Thoughts

Soft Sugar Christmas Cookies (No Spread) bring such a wonderful sense of holiday joy and tradition to any kitchen. I hope you give this recipe a try and find the same delight in baking and sharing them as I do every year. Nothing beats the warm glow of festive cookies fresh from your oven, perfectly shaped and irresistibly soft inside, ready to make your holidays extra special.

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