Why did my Christmas Cookies spread?

Usually, the dough was too warm or the butter too soft. Chill the dough as written and keep cut shapes cold on the sheet for a few minutes before baking.

How thick should I roll the dough?

One quarter inch is the sweet spot for soft centers that still hold crisp edges and clean details from the cutters.

Can I flavor the dough differently?

Yes. Add citrus zest, a little almond extract, or warm spices. Keep total liquid flavorings modest so the dough stays workable.

What icing works best for decorating?

Royal icing sets firm and shiny for intricate designs. For a softer bite, use a simple powdered sugar icing with milk and vanilla, and let it dry before stacking.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Absolutely. The dough holds in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Let it sit on the counter just until pliable enough to roll.

Best Christmas Cookies – We Are Recipes

Best Christmas Cookies

Recipe by Liliya

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Total Time2 hours 28 minutes
Yield48 cookies 1x

This Christmas Cookies recipe is soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for clean cut shapes that decorate beautifully. The dough chills for easy rolling, bakes in minutes, and stays tender for days.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ¾ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine salt
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 large eggs room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

Gather ingredients.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and slightly fluffy.
Beat in one egg, then the second egg with vanilla. Scrape the bowl.
Add dry ingredients and mix on low just until a soft dough forms.
Wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line or lightly grease two baking sheets.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to 1 quarter inch thickness. Cut out shapes and place on sheets. Reroll scraps as needed.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool briefly on the sheet, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate and enjoy.

Notes

Chilling hydrates the flour and firms the butter so cookies keep sharp edges.
Measure flour with the spoon and level method for a soft, tender crumb.
Pull cookies when edges barely color since carryover heat finishes the bake.
For even rolling, place the dough between two sheets of parchment.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 96 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 35 mg
Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg

Find it online: https://wearerecipes.com/easy-christmas-cookies/