Nothing says “holiday magic” quite like a batch of Soft Christmas Cookies fresh from the oven. These cookies are perfectly tender, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth soft — everything you want in a festive dessert. Their subtle sweetness and warm vanilla aroma make them the perfect canvas for colorful sprinkles, creamy frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar. I made these last Christmas using almond extract instead of vanilla, and the flavor was absolutely delightful! Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just to fill your kitchen with that comforting holiday scent, this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are irresistibly soft, buttery, and delicately sweet — ideal for decorating and gifting. They hold their shape well when baked, making them perfect for using your favorite holiday cookie cutters. Plus, they stay soft for days, so you can bake them ahead of your Christmas festivities. The dough is easy to work with, the ingredients are simple, and the results are pure nostalgia.
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Soft Christmas Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat for Every Sweet Tooth
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery Christmas cookies with a tender crumb and festive frosting. These classic sugar cookies are perfect for holiday decorating and will melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or milk
- Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decorating)
- Frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream or milk, and mix until just combined.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add food coloring if desired and spread over cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- Do not overbake—cookies should be pale with lightly golden edges for a soft texture.
- For rolled cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before cutting shapes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Great for decorating with kids during the holidays!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure while keeping them tender. Be sure to measure correctly by spooning and leveling the flour.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay fluffy without spreading too much.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and that classic homemade taste. Using room-temperature butter helps create the perfect soft texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies just enough without making them overly sugary, allowing the vanilla and butter to shine through.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while keeping the cookies moist and soft.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma to the dough — the flavor that makes these cookies taste like Christmas.
Almond extract (optional): A small touch adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.
Milk: Keeps the dough soft and adds a bit of moisture for that perfect tender crumb.
Sprinkles or colored sugar: For decorating and adding festive cheer. You can also top them with icing once cooled.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract (and almond extract if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite Christmas shapes — stars, trees, or snowflakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake; they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with frosting, glaze, or sprinkles as desired.
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 24 cookies depending on size.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time (optional): 30 minutes
Baking time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour
Storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container — it helps retain moisture. You can also freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
Variations and Customizations
Sugar-Glazed Cookies: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla for a glossy finish.
Frosted Christmas Cookies: Spread cream cheese or buttercream frosting on top, then decorate with colorful sprinkles.
Spiced Holiday Cookies: Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a cozy, festive flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them harden for a decadent twist.
Lemon Almond Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract and add almond slivers for a bright, nutty version.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking — results are just as delicious and soft.
FAQs
What makes these cookies soft?
Using room-temperature butter, the right ratio of flour to fat, and not overbaking are key to keeping them soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Make sure your butter isn’t too warm, and chill the dough briefly before baking if needed.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, it’s optional. Vanilla alone makes a perfectly classic cookie.
How thick should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch thick — it gives the perfect soft texture while maintaining shape.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt by half to avoid overpowering the flavor.
What frosting works best?
Buttercream or royal icing both work beautifully — it depends on how you want to decorate them.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! Divide the dough and tint portions red, green, or gold for a festive look.
How long should I cool the cookies before decorating?
Let them cool completely (about 30 minutes) to prevent the frosting from melting.
Conclusion
These Soft Christmas Cookies are the essence of holiday baking — buttery, tender, and full of festive charm. Whether you decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to every cookie platter. I’ve made these for years, and they never fail to become the highlight of my Christmas dessert table. Perfect with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of milk, they’re the sweetest way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
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