Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup shortening (makes cookies extra soft)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional, for classic holiday flavor)
½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients:
Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
4. Combine:
Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with sour cream (or buttermilk) until soft dough forms.
5. Chill:
Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 hour to make it easier to roll and cut.
6. Shape:
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with Christmas-shaped cookie cutters — trees, stars, bells, or snowflakes.
7. Bake:
Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just set (not brown).
8. Cool & Decorate:
Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
Use festive colored icing, sprinkles, and sugar crystals for decoration.
Holiday Glaze Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for texture)
½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Food coloring (red, green, white, gold)
Mix until smooth and glossy. Spread or pipe over cooled cookies, then top with sprinkles before icing sets.
Tips:
Add sparkling sugar or nonpareils before baking for a glittery touch.
Store in airtight containers with parchment layers to keep them soft.
Perfect for cookie exchanges or edible holiday gifts!
