If you’re dreaming of that perfect holiday treat that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a sprinkle of festive joy, this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies boast a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, lightly golden edges, and a buttery sweetness that’s beautifully complemented by festive sprinkles or optional frosting. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply indulging yourself with a comforting holiday snack, these cookies capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to baking the most delightful Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating those soft, flavorful, and beautifully textured treats you’ll love to share.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies giving them that perfect balance between softness and shape.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay tender without becoming cakey.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with baking soda to provide lightness and slight lift in every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Gives richness and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft for days.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough and contributes to a delicate crispness on the edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients together while adding moisture and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses that warm, comforting flavor signature of great holiday cookies.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a delightful bakery-style note perfect for festive baking.
- Milk (3 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: The cheerful finishing touch that makes these cookies festive and fun.
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, so every cookie bakes with consistent texture and flavor.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, which helps keep your Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe tender and soft.
Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract if you’re using it, and milk. Each adds moisture and enhances the aroma, giving your dough a rich and festive flavor profile perfect for this holiday treat.
Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so take it slow to keep that soft texture you’re after.
Step 5: Shaping and Decorating the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these on parchment-lined baking sheets with about two inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each cookie ball with the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for that festive sparkle.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Removing them at the right time is key to that dreamy softness.
Step 7: Cooling and Optional Frosting
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you decide to add frosting, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, tint if you like, then spread it on once the cookies are fully cool, decorating with more sprinkles as you please.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic sprinkles and colored sugar, try finely chopped nuts, edible glitter, or even small candy cane pieces to up the festive look and taste. These little touches make your Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe stand out on any dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa, rich eggnog, or even a simple glass of cold milk. Their soft texture and sweet flavor balance beautifully with a variety of holiday beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap your cookies in colorful cellophane tied with ribbons for charming homemade gifts. Or display them on a festive platter arranged alongside other holiday treats to create a vibrant and inviting centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and delicious for several days, allowing you to enjoy them long after the baking frenzy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature—this method preserves their soft texture beautifully.
Reheating
If you want to warm your cookies, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to bring back that freshly-baked feeling and softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the sweetness balanced and avoid overly salty cookies.
What if I don’t have almond extract on hand?
It’s completely optional! You can skip it or replace it with a touch more vanilla extract to keep the flavor mellow and festive.
How do I keep these cookies soft for longer?
Don’t overbake them and store in an airtight container with a slice of bread; the bread helps maintain moisture inside the container.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 48 hours before baking to enhance flavors and make baking day easier.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe uses ingredients that are all vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect holiday treat for everyone.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe—it’s not just about the delicious outcome but the heartwarming memories created during the process. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these tender, flavorful cookies as much as I do. Once you try them, they’ll surely become a festive favorite in your holiday baking repertoire!
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat, combining a tender, buttery texture with a subtle hint of vanilla and almond extract. Decorated with colorful holiday sprinkles or sugar, they bring joy and sweetness to any holiday celebration. Optional smooth frosting adds an extra layer of festive appeal and flavor, making these cookies a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar, for decorating
Optional Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and milk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
- Shape cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten and decorate: Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until their edges turn just lightly golden, indicating a soft center.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
- Prepare optional frosting: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired to match your holiday theme.
- Frost and decorate: Once cookies are fully cooled, spread the optional frosting on top and decorate further with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to maintain their soft, tender texture.
- The almond extract enhances flavor with a festive bakery-style note but can be omitted if not preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
