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Soft Christmas Cookies

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Ingredients
  

  • For the Cookies:
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract optional
  • 4 tbsp milk
  • For the Icing:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring optional
  • Sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

  • Prep and Preheat
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Cream the Wet Ingredients
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until smooth.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
  • Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
  • Roll and Cut
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
  • Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake
  • Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are barely golden.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the Icing
  • Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
  • Divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring for desired festive hues.
  • Decorate
  • Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies.
  • Decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch. Let the icing set before serving or storing.