White Rolled Christmas Cookies Recipe by InfoStarBase

Celebrate the holiday season with our delightful White Rolled Christmas Cookies! These elegant, buttery cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With their soft texture and sweet vanilla flavor, they are perfect for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying them with family, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to your celebrations. Roll out the dough, and let the holiday baking begin!

Ingredients

To create these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and contributes to the soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: This helps stabilize the cookies and adds a slight tang.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise properly.
• 1 cup butter (or margarine): Provides richness and flavor; make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
• 2 cups flour: The main ingredient that gives structure to your cookies.
• 1 egg, well-beaten: Acts as a binder to hold the dough together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Provides a hint of nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the powdered sugar, cream of tartar, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Using a whisk or mixer, blend these dry ingredients until evenly combined. This preparation is crucial because it contributes to the overall flavor and texture of your cookies.

Add Butter

Next, cut in the butter (or margarine) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This can be done using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers. Make sure the butter is well-incorporated but avoid overmixing. The goal is to have small, pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture, which will create a tender cookie once baked.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Now add the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it). Mix until a dough forms. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks crumbly at first; continued mixing will help it come together. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help it bind better.

Work the Dough

Once your dough has formed, work it like a pie crust until it becomes smooth. This should take just a few minutes of gentle kneading. The beauty of this particular dough is its versatility; you can roll and re-roll it as needed without worrying about it becoming tough. This feature makes it easy to create cookies in various shapes and sizes.

Shape the Cookies

Now it’s time to shape your cookies! If you’re making cut-out cookies, dust a clean surface with flour and roll the dough to your desired thickness —about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Use cookie cutters to create fun holiday shapes, such as stars, trees, or bells. If you prefer drop cookies, roll the dough into small balls and then press them flat to about 1/4 inch thick. Both methods yield delicious results, so feel free to experiment!

Bake

Preheat your oven to 300°F to 350°F (150°C to 175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Place the cookies on the sheets, leaving some space between each one as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

Cool and Decorate

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential as you want your cookies to be fully set before decorating. Once cooled, use your favorite powdered sugar icing to frost them, and get creative with sprinkles, colored sugars, or festive designs.

Enjoy!

Your White Rolled Christmas Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, and their customizable nature means you can create a variety of shapes and decorations to fit your festive spirit. Share them with friends and family, or keep a batch for yourself to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa. Each bite of these soft, sweet cookies encapsulates the warmth and joy of the holiday season, making them a delightful addition to your festive celebrations. Happy baking!