Soft Christmas Cookies: The Perfect Holiday Treat for Every Sweet Tooth

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. These Soft Christmas Cookies are buttery, tender, and full of festive flavor — everything you love about holiday baking wrapped up in one bite. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, a light vanilla sweetness, and that comforting homemade taste that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. Decorate them with colorful icing, sprinkles, or sugar crystals to make them truly sparkle on your dessert table. I’ve tried making these with a splash of almond extract in the dough, and it adds a lovely, subtle twist. Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night by the fire, these cookies are a holiday classic you’ll return to year after year.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour – Provides the perfect structure and softness. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning and leveling for light, tender cookies.

Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay fluffy instead of dense.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.

Unsalted butter – The key to rich, soft cookies. It should be at room temperature to cream easily with the sugar.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while keeping them soft and chewy.

Eggs – Bind the ingredients and give the cookies their soft, moist texture.

Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and classic flavor that complements any icing or decoration.

Almond extract – Optional, but it gives the cookies a delightful, festive aroma.

Powdered sugar – Used for the icing, giving it a smooth texture that hardens just enough to hold decorations.

Milk or cream – Helps achieve the perfect icing consistency — smooth but not runny.

Food coloring and sprinkles – To bring that joyful Christmas magic to your cookies.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extract (if using). Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters in festive shapes — stars, trees, snowflakes, or bells — and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before decorating.

For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk (or cream) and a touch of vanilla until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired. Spread or pipe the icing onto cooled cookies, then top with sprinkles. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 medium-sized cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional)
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container — it helps maintain moisture. You can also freeze un-iced cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and decorate when ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

Sugar Cookie Classic
Skip the almond extract for a traditional vanilla sugar cookie flavor everyone loves.

Spiced Christmas Cookies
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough for a warm, cozy twist.

Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for soft, flavorful cookies that everyone can enjoy.

Lemon Vanilla Delight
Replace a teaspoon of milk in the icing with lemon juice for a tangy brightness.

Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for an elegant finish.

Frosted Peppermint
Add crushed peppermint candies to the icing for a refreshing holiday crunch.

Colored Dough
Tint portions of the dough with red and green food coloring for a marbled Christmas look.

Stuffed Surprise
Press a small piece of chocolate or caramel candy into the dough before baking for a sweet center.

Coconut Snowflake Cookies
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the icing to mimic freshly fallen snow.

Vegan Adaptation
Substitute butter with vegan margarine and eggs with a flaxseed mixture — they’ll still come out wonderfully soft.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for a month.

Why are my cookies hard after baking?
They were likely overbaked. Remove them when the edges are just set.

Can I skip chilling the dough?
Yes, but chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, though butter provides a richer flavor and softer texture.

How long should I let them cool before icing?
At least 20 minutes to ensure the icing doesn’t melt.

Can I use royal icing instead?
Absolutely. Royal icing gives a shinier, more detailed finish.

How do I keep them soft for days?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I decorate with melted chocolate?
Yes, melted chocolate or candy melts make beautiful decorations.

What’s the best way to freeze them?
Freeze undecorated cookies in layers separated by parchment paper.

Can I add sprinkles before baking?
Yes, just press them gently into the dough before baking.

Conclusion

These Soft Christmas Cookies capture the joy and warmth of the holiday season in every bite. Their tender texture, buttery flavor, and festive appearance make them a must-bake tradition for families everywhere. Whether you’re decorating with loved ones or preparing a beautiful cookie platter for guests, this recipe guarantees cheerful memories and delicious results. Once you try them, you’ll understand why no Christmas is complete without a batch of these soft, delightful cookies.

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