Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This leavening agent will help the cookies rise slightly, contributing to their soft texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Adds a bit of extra lift and helps the cookies spread evenly as they bake.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness in the cookies.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ texture.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet flavor that complements the cookies beautifully.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Adds a unique, nutty flavor that distinguishes these cookies.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the frosting, providing that sweet, creamy topping we all love.
- 3 tbsp milk: Helps to achieve the desired consistency for the frosting.
- Food coloring (optional): For a festive touch, allowing you to customize the frosting for different holidays or themes.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect softness.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes, and it’s a crucial step that incorporates air into the mixture, leading to soft cookies.
- Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and slightly shiny.
- Incorporate the Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix the dough. Over-mixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass. This helps them bake evenly and gives them a nice shape.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake; the centers should look soft and set. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: 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 helps them maintain their soft texture.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired thickness. If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each for a festive touch.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired, allowing for a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 normal portion
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g