Description
Ingredients:
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups white sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 3 tablespoons sour cream
– 1/4 cup red and green colored sugar or sprinkles
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
5. Mix in sour cream until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until dough comes together, but do not overmix.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently roll each ball in the colored sugar or sprinkles.
8. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers are soft.
10. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Tips:
Use sour cream to keep the cookies soft and moist.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center to maintain softness.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and sour cream. This is crucial for a smooth, homogenous dough. When creaming the butter and sugar, beat for a full 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture. When adding the dry ingredients, mix only until the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. For uniform size, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure. When rolling in sprinkles, do so gently to avoid compressing the dough ball, which can affect spread.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are versatile. Serve them on a holiday dessert platter alongside peppermint bark and fudge. For a special presentation, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or melted white chocolate. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee. For a grown-up twist, serve with a glass of dessert wine or a creamy liqueur.
How-to Summary
In summary: Whisk dry ingredients. Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Mix in sour cream. Gradually blend in dry mix. Form 1-inch dough balls, roll in colored sugar, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes on ungreased sheets. Cool briefly on sheet before moving to a rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit any added salt from the recipe. The flavor may be slightly different.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is the best 1:1 substitute. It provides similar moisture and tang.
Why are my cookies flat? The butter was likely too warm or melted. Ensure it is softened but still cool to the touch. Also, check that your baking soda and powder are fresh.
Can I make the dough ahead? Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
How do I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: This prevents proper creaming, leading to dense cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix only until combined after adding flour.
- Overbaking: Remove cookies when edges are just set and centers look soft. They firm up as they cool.
- Using hot baking sheets: Always allow your cookie sheets to cool completely between batches.
- Measuring flour incorrectly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping packs it down, adding too much.
Conclusion
This recipe delivers soft, festive, and delicious cookies with a perfect balance of vanilla and almond. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you’ll create a holiday treat that is as joyful to make as it is to eat. The sour cream is the secret to their wonderfully tender texture that stays soft for days. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!