Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike, let me introduce you to these Soft Christmas Cookies. They’re everything you want in a holiday cookie: pillowy texture, buttery flavor, and enough charm to make them the star of any cookie platter. Each bite is wonderfully tender and practically melts in your mouth, topped with cheery sprinkles or a flourish of frosting as you like. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for an afternoon baking project with the family, these cookies capture all the joyful magic of the season—trust me, they never last long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Soft Christmas Cookies is that they rely on kitchen staples you likely have on hand, but each one plays a starring role. From butter for richness to a splash of almond extract for that special something, don’t skip the little details—they truly make the cookies stand out.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a super tender crumb and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies their classic sweetness and helps with perfect browning.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds just enough moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and that classic holiday aroma in every bite.
- Almond extract (optional): A drop or two brings a dreamy, nutty note that makes these cookies feel extra festive.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough—measure carefully for soft, not tough, cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff up beautifully for that signature thickness.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: For a fun, cheery finish and that classic Christmas cookie look.
- Frosting (optional): If you love frosted cookies, it adds extra color and sweetness—totally up to you!
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this little step ensures your Soft Christmas Cookies bake evenly and slide right off without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the key to cookies that are beautifully airy and tender; don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Extracts
Beat in your large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. The almond extract is optional, but it truly gives Soft Christmas Cookies that classic, magical flavor that tastes like Christmas in every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step makes sure your leavening and seasoning are perfectly distributed, so every cookie rises just right.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low until just combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—don’t overmix, as this can make the cookies less tender!
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls with your hands, and place them on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Flatten each one very slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass—just enough to give them that classic look.
Step 7: Decorate and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for instant cheer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden and centers still look soft. Remember, for that signature softness, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the hot pan.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a swoosh of frosting once cooled. Enjoy—the magic is in every bite!
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
Bring on the holiday sparkle! A generous shower of colored sugar, classic red-and-green sprinkles, or even a pinch of edible glitter takes Soft Christmas Cookies from everyday to extraordinary. If you love a little extra sweetness, slather on your favorite frosting and finish with a few sprinkles for good measure.
Side Dishes
Pair your Soft Christmas Cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, spicy chai, or classic Christmas punch. For a pretty dessert tray, surround them with fresh berries, peppermint bark, or a handful of roasted nuts—these combinations instantly elevate your cookie spread.
Creative Ways to Present
A plate of Soft Christmas Cookies makes a beautiful hostess gift stacked in a festive tin or clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon. For a party, arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter, or layer with parchment in a keepsake box. Kids especially love decorating their own, so set up a DIY cookie bar for tons of holiday fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help them stay extra soft—the cookies will absorb moisture, staying fresh and pillowy for days.
Freezing
To get ahead of the holiday rush, freeze unfrosted Soft Christmas Cookies in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags with parchment between layers. They’ll be delicious for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and frost or decorate right before serving for just-baked freshness.
Reheating
If you want to revive that oven-fresh softness, pop cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for two to three minutes. Let them cool a minute before serving so they’re the perfect soft Christmas treat, every time.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! The dough for Soft Christmas Cookies can be prepared up to two days ahead, tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Just let it soften at room temperature before rolling and baking for best results.
Do I have to use almond extract?
Nope! Almond extract adds a distinctive festive aroma, but you can skip it if you prefer, or swap it for a little extra vanilla. The cookies will still be irresistibly soft and tasty.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 20-30 minutes if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies hold their shape for that classic Soft Christmas Cookies look.
Can I frost them before storing?
You can, but frosted cookies are best enjoyed within a day or two. If you plan to store or freeze them, leave them unfrosted and add your favorite frosting after thawing or just before serving for the freshest taste and prettiest presentation.
Are these cookies ok for gifting?
They’re perfect for gifting! Soft Christmas Cookies are both sturdy and beautiful, making them ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, neighborly gifts, or as a festive addition to care packages—they travel well and look extra special with a ribbon or bow.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of baking Soft Christmas Cookies during the holidays—they fill the house with nostalgia, bring friends and family together, and are always gobbled up in no time. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear from the cookie plate. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They are buttery, tender, and can be decorated with festive sprinkles. Enjoy these delicious cookies with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating
- frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into balls, and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly and decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are barely golden and centers are soft.
- Cool and Frost: Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Frost once cooled, if desired.
Notes
- For extra soft cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the pan.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
