Name: Best Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489105H50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ½ cup (120 g) sour cream; Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2–3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon light corn syrup; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Gel food coloring; Sprinkles or edible glitter

The holiday season is never complete without a tray of cookies fresh from the oven. While crunchy cookies have their charm, soft Christmas cookies bring comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Their tender crumb, gentle sweetness, and festive decorations make them the highlight of holiday gatherings. Imagine biting into a pillow-like cookie that melts on your tongue, paired perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace. These soft Christmas cookies strike the balance between chewy and fluffy, making them a recipe you’ll return to year after year.

Ingredients

To ensure soft, moist cookies, the right ingredients and precise measurements are essential.

For the Cookies:

2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120 g) sour cream (adds softness and tang)
Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract for added depth

For the Icing (Optional, for decorating):

2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (for shine)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (for festive designs)
Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that leavening agents distribute evenly and prevents clumping later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Proper creaming introduces air into the dough, which helps maintain a soft texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. For an extra festive flavor, stir in almond extract. Blend in the sour cream until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. The sour cream is the secret ingredient that keeps these cookies moist and tender.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cookies dense. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they keep their rounded, fluffy shape.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small mounds and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges look set and the tops appear slightly puffy. The cookies should remain pale, not golden brown—this is the key to keeping them soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

Once the cookies cool completely, whisk together the icing ingredients until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar if necessary. Divide icing into bowls, add food coloring, and decorate the cookies with piping bags or spoons. Sprinkle with festive toppings while the icing is still wet. Let them set for 2–3 hours before stacking or packaging.

Conservation and Storage

Soft cookies require careful storage to preserve their texture. Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before icing or serving.

If you plan to freeze decorated cookies, ensure the icing is completely dry. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a sturdy container to prevent breakage.

Variations

Soft Christmas cookies are endlessly versatile. Here are a few creative twists:

Spiced Soft Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm holiday flavor.
Chocolate Chip Version: Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a chewy, chocolatey twist.
Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing hint of brightness.
Frosted Cookies: Instead of simple icing, top with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make the cookies suitable for all guests.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use room-temperature butter for the creaming step. Cold butter won’t blend properly, while melted butter will make the dough greasy.
Do not skip chilling the dough—it’s the key to soft, rounded cookies.
Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will finish cooking as they cool, keeping the texture soft.

Serving Suggestions

These soft Christmas cookies shine on their own, but they pair beautifully with festive drinks like eggnog, peppermint hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider. Arrange them on a holiday platter with gingerbread men and shortbread for a cookie exchange. You can also package them in tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

For family gatherings, set up a decorating table where kids and adults can personalize their cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. It transforms baking into a shared holiday tradition full of creativity and laughter.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas cookies combine the coziness of holiday baking with the joy of festive celebrations. Their tender texture, buttery flavor, and endless decorating possibilities make them a must-have for the season. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bake a batch that delights both children and adults. Whether enjoyed with loved ones, shared at a party, or gifted in a festive package, these cookies embody the warmth and sweetness of Christmas. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a tradition you look forward to every holiday season.

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Best Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 30 minutes active
Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These soft Christmas cookies are tender, chewy, and full of festive flavor. Perfect for decorating, gifting, and sharing during the holiday season, they’re a cozy tradition that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies:

2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120 g) sour cream
Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Icing (Optional):

2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring
Sprinkles or edible glitter

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg, vanilla, sour cream, and almond extract (if using).
Combine: Slowly blend in dry ingredients until just combined. Dough will be soft.
Chill: Wrap dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Shape: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into balls, place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets.
Bake: Bake 8–10 minutes until edges set but tops remain pale. Cool on rack.
Decorate: Mix icing ingredients, color as desired, and decorate cooled cookies with sprinkles. Allow to set before storing.