There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies drifting through the house during the holidays. The buttery aroma, the gentle sweetness, and the joy of decorating each cookie with colorful icing — it all captures the very essence of Christmas.
If you’ve been searching for a cookie that’s soft, tender, and full of festive cheer, these Soft Christmas Cookies are your answer. Perfect for baking with kids, gifting to friends, or leaving out for Santa, this timeless recipe brings warmth and joy to every holiday moment.
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies strike the perfect balance between buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth softness. Unlike crunchy sugar cookies, they stay moist and tender thanks to a hint of sour cream (or yogurt!) that adds both flavor and texture.
They hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for using your favorite cookie cutters — snowflakes, stars, trees, or hearts. And when you add creamy icing and a sprinkle of colorful sugar, they’re almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
🍪 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🧁
- ½ teaspoon baking soda 🥄
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or yogurt (for that dreamy softness)
For the Icing (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (red, green, gold, or white for festive flair)
- Sprinkles for decoration ✨
👩🍳 How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
Next, stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) until the batter is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour (or up to overnight). Chilling makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes — Christmas trees, bells, stars, or snowmen. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. Don’t overbake — the secret to their softness is keeping them tender!
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before decorating.
Step 5: Decorate and Celebrate
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (or almond extract) to make a smooth icing. Divide and color with food dye for festive hues.
Spread or drizzle the icing over cooled cookies, then add sprinkles before it sets. This is the fun part — get creative and make each cookie sparkle with Christmas cheer!
🎁 Tips for the Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- Don’t skip chilling: It prevents spreading and ensures a soft, thick cookie.
- Use real butter: It gives the cookies that unmistakable rich, holiday flavor.
- Try almond extract: Just a drop adds a beautiful bakery-style aroma.
- Store correctly: Keep them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to preserve softness.
☃️ How to Store and Gift
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge. For gifting, place them in a festive tin lined with parchment paper — they make a thoughtful homemade present for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
You can also freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw, decorate, and enjoy!
✨ Final Thoughts
Baking these Soft Christmas Cookies is more than just making dessert — it’s creating memories. From rolling out the dough to adding the last sprinkle of sugar, every step brings the joy and togetherness that define the holidays.
So gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the sweet scent of buttery cookies fill your home. Because sometimes, the most meaningful gifts come from the oven — and straight from the heart. ❤️
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