Soft christmas sugar cookie recipe: Reindeer Cookies (2024)

Alright, cookie lovers, it's that time of year again! When the holiday season rolls around, we all start dreaming of those delightful treats that are synonymous with festive cheer. And I must say, nothing embodies the Christmas spirit quite like your favorite soft Christmas sugar cookie recipe, don't you agree? I'm absolutely thrilled to share with you my treasured Reindeer Sugar Cookies recipe. This is not just any recipe, but one that promises the perfect blend of sweetness and a dash of Christmas magic in every bite. Let's dive right in!

Somehow the holidays in our home are often surrounded around food. Plates ofholiday cookies, parties withholiday snacksand big feasts of delicious meals of turkey,sweet potatoesandhomemade bread stuffing. I'm okay with that, because along with food, it is also surrounded by my friends and family. During the year, I find that it is so easy to get caught up with our busy life that we don't spend as much time with those we love. During the holidays though, it seems easier to breathe, slow down life and enjoy good conversation and a mug ofhot chocolate and marshmallowswith friends. TheseReindeerSugar Cookiesare a great way to get in the festive holiday spirit and make someone smile.

The Perfect Blend: How to Prepare Your Ingredients

Before we start, gather all your ingredients at room temperature. This is one of the first things to do to ensure we get those chewy sugar cookies that melt in your mouth. Trust me, when you've got your butter and eggs at the right temperature, you're already halfway to achieving the best soft christmas sugar cookie recipe.

• Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter:Having this at room temperature ensures it blends well with sugar, giving you a fine texture.
• Sugar:The secret ingredient that promises sweetness in every bite.
• Egg:A binding agent that holds all your ingredients together.
• Vanilla and Almond Extract:For that aromatic and nutty flavour that distinguishes great recipes from good ones.
• Flour, Baking Powder, and a Pinch of Salt:These dry ingredients work together to provide the right structure for your cookies.

Remember, the golden rule is to use a measuring cup to get the exact quantities to avoid using too much flour or other ingredients. It's all about finding the perfect balance!

Reindeer Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
1 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond
2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking powder
2cookie sheetsfitted with parchment paper
circle cookie cutter
1 container of chocolate frosting
1 package of largeedible eyes

1 package of wilton royal icing bow transfers
1 package of black candy melts
1 disposablepiping bag

Directions for soft christmas sugar cookie recipe

1. Using a double boiler, melt the black candy melts.
2. Once melted place into the disposable piping bag.
3. Using one of the cookie sheets, pipe out 28 reindeer antlers (extras incase some break).
4. Set aside to cool completely.
5. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
6. Using astand mixer, cream butter and sugar until creamed together and combined.
7. Beat in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
8. In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder and use a whisk and mix to combined.
9. Lightly flour acutting board.
10. Roll out the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle shape about 1/2 inch thick.
11. Using thecircle cookie cutter, cut the out 12 circles.
12. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
13. Once cookies are done baking, let cool.
    
14. Take a butterknife and spread on chocolate frosting.
    
15. Place two large eyes in the top center for the eyes.
    
16. Place a red M&M under the eyes for the nose.
17. For the girl, place a red bow in the center above the eyes.
18. For the boy, place a black bow in the bottom center below the nose.
19. Carefully peel off and place two antler in the top corners.
20. Enjoy!

FAQs on Achieving the Perfect Cookies

How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?

Achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture is an art, one that comes with a little bit of knowledge and attention to detail. When aiming for soft and chewy sugar cookies, it's essential to keep an eye on the baking time. You'll want to pull them out of the oven just as they start turning golden brown, which retains a moist center, giving them that delightful chewy texture. Moreover, incorporating ingredients like sour cream or a touch of brown sugar can also contribute to a softer, chewier texture. Additionally, storing them in an airtight container right after they cool down helps retain that soft, chewy texture, making each bite a heavenly experience.

What's the Best Way to Store My Cookies?

To keep your freshly baked cookies at their peak, store them in an airtight container that maintains their soft texture and freshness for a longer duration. Before you put them away, ensure they have cooled down completely. Layer them in a single layer, separated by pieces of parchment paper, to prevent them from sticking to each other. For added freshness, you can also place a slice of bread in the container; it helps in retaining the moisture, ensuring your cookies remain soft. And if you're planning to store them for an extended period, consider placing a piece of white bread in the container to help absorb any excess moisture, keeping your cookies perfect and soft.

Can I Freeze the Sugar Cookie Dough for Later Use?

Absolutely, freezing your sugar cookie dough is a fantastic way to have cookies ready to bake at a moment's notice. To freeze, divide your dough into individual portions or dough balls, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For an extra layer of protection, you can then place these wrapped dough balls into a zip-top bag or an airtight container. Whenever the craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive, just retrieve the required number of dough balls and bake. You can bake the cookies straight from the freezer, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you'll always be ready to serve warm, freshly baked cookies at a moment's notice.

How Can I Avoid My Cookies from Spreading Too Much?

To prevent your cookies from spreading excessively during baking, it's a good practice to refrigerate the cut-out cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before popping them into the oven. This step allows the fats (like butter) in the dough to solidify, which in turn reduces spreading when they are subjected to heat. Apart from refrigeration, you can also ensure to not overmix the dough, as it can make the cookies spread more. Also, using a silicone mat or parchment paper on your prepared baking sheet can help in reducing the spread. These little adjustments will help you achieve those perfect, well-shaped cookies that not only taste delightful but also look impeccable.

Can I Add Some Food Coloring to My Dough?

Absolutely, infusing your dough with vibrant food colors can turn your baking session into a joyful art project, especially during the holiday season! Feel free to experiment with various colors to match the festive season's spirit or a particular theme you have in mind. You can even divide the dough into separate sections and color each one differently for a vibrant batch of cookies. It's a wonderful way to get kids involved in the kitchen, letting their creativity shine through. Remember, a few drops of food coloring go a long way, so add gradually until you achieve your desired hue. And don't limit yourself to just the dough - consider adding food coloring to your cream cheese or buttercream frosting for an even more festive look!

Key Takeaways for soft christmas sugar cookie recipe

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin.
  • Before diving into your favorite recipe, make sure elements like unsalted butter and eggs are at room temperature. This little bit of preparation can be a game-changer, promising you soft sugar cookies that are the highlight of your Christmas cookie tray.
• Don't rush the process. Allow adequate time for each step, ensuring the best results.
  • This isn't just a great recipe, it's the journey to crafting the perfect sugar cookie recipe. So, take your time to mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl and sift the purpose flour in a separate bowl. Trust me, your patience will manifest in the form of soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that embody the spirit of Christmas Eve.
• Be creative and have fun with the decoration part. This could even turn into a lovely Christmas party activity!
  • Use your favorite cookie cutters to give a fun shape to your cookies. Engage your creative instincts by using a mixture of buttercream and cream cheese frosting for decoration. Remember, these soft Christmas cookies are not only a treat to the palate but can also be a visual delight on your cookie platter.
• Always store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness.
  • After all the effort put into creating these delights, it's essential to store them well. Lay them in a single layer on pieces of parchment paper inside an airtight container. This will ensure that your cookies maintain that soft cut and fresh taste, ready to be served any time.

Conclusion: soft christmas sugar cookie recipe

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delightful reindeer cookies with friends and family. They are not only a feast for the eyes but are sure to impress with their soft, chewy texture and delightful taste. Remember, the joy of the holiday season is in spreading love and happiness, and what better way to do it than with a batch of these delightful cookies? Here's to creating warm and sweet memories, one cookie at a time!