Soft Christmas Cookies: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats. Soft Christmas cookies are a cherished favorite, perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones. This recipe offers a lighter version that fits seamlessly into your Weight Watchers plan, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit without guilt. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are ideal for gatherings, gift-giving, or a sweet treat at home.

Recipe Overview

Total Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Yield

  • Servings: 48 cookies

Weight Watchers Points

  • SmartPoints: Approximately 3 points per cookie.

Ingredients

To make these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and texture for the cookies.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups White Sugar: Sweetens the cookies; consider using a sugar substitute for fewer calories.
  • 1 cup Margarine, softened: Adds moisture and richness. You can substitute with unsalted butter if desired.
  • 2 Large Eggs: Contributes to the cookie’s structure and moisture.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the cookies.

Equipment Needed

Before you start, gather the following kitchen equipment:

  • Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
  • Sifter: For sifting dry ingredients.
  • Plastic Wrap: For chilling the dough.
  • Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough.
  • Cookie Cutters: To create festive shapes.
  • Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
  • Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. Sift the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures there are no lumps and helps aerate the flour.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

  1. Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of white sugar and 1 cup of softened margarine using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy—about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

  1. Incorporate Eggs: Add 2 large eggs to the mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  2. Add Vanilla: Pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and blend until smooth and slightly fluffy.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Combine: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

  1. Wrap and Refrigerate: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

  1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 7: Prepare Cookie Sheets

  1. Grease or Line: Grease two cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 8: Roll, Cut, and Bake

  1. Roll Out the Dough: On a clean, floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  2. Cut Shapes: Use festive cookie cutters to create holiday shapes, placing them on the prepared cookie sheets.
  3. Bake: Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

  1. Transfer to Cooling Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Step 10: Decorating the Cookies

  1. Let Your Creativity Shine: Once cooled, these cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or other festive toppings. Get creative and have fun!

Additional Notes and Tips

  • Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s essential for the cookies to retain their shape.
  • Butter Substitute: If you prefer butter over margarine, feel free to substitute; the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.
  • Flavor Variations: For added flavor, consider incorporating a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon into the dough.
  • Chewy Cookies: If you like your cookies a bit chewier, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the hot tray.

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