Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Ultimate Soft Christmas Cookies are incredibly easy to make and yield perfectly soft, chewy treats every time. They are the ideal holiday baking project, filling your kitchen with festive cheer. For more seasonal inspiration, try this Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe or the classic Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe.

Ingredients

These soft Christmas cookies feature a tender, cake-like texture with a rich buttery flavor and sweet vanilla frosting that makes them perfect for holiday decorating.

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, measured properly
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Vanilla Frosting

• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups (284 g) confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Food coloring & sprinkles, optional

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: These Soft Christmas Cookies are about 20% faster to make than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps create a soft texture in your finished Soft Christmas Cookies.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. For extra soft cookies, use a room-temperature egg to help the ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 4 — Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps them hold their shape while baking, ensuring a soft, thick center.

Step 5 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Consistent oven temperature is key to achieving uniformly soft cookies.

Step 6 — Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to create shapes. For the softest results, avoid rolling the dough too thin.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookies on prepared sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so do not overbake.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let the Soft Christmas Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period helps them set without becoming crisp.

Step 9 — Decorate and Serve

Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing or sprinkles. Store your Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture for days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	19g
Fat	5g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond Flour — Creates a naturally gluten-free, lower-carb base with a delicate nutty flavor that complements traditional Christmas spices.
• Greek Yogurt — Swaps in protein for some butter, adding a subtle tang while keeping your Soft Christmas Cookies wonderfully moist.
• Applesauce — A fantastic oil or butter substitute that reduces fat and adds natural sweetness and moisture for a perfectly soft texture.
• Coconut Sugar — A lower-glycemic alternative to refined sugar that imparts a warm, caramel-like note to your holiday cookies.
• Oat Flour — An easy, whole-grain, gluten-free flour option that yields a tender, slightly chewy crumb in your Soft Christmas Cookies.
• Avocado Oil — A heart-healthy, neutral-flavored fat that replaces butter for a dairy-free version without compromising the soft texture.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk — A simple dairy-free milk swap that keeps your cookie dough perfectly hydrated and low in saturated fat.
• Reduced-Sodium Baking Powder — Cuts down on sodium while still providing the necessary lift for fluffy, cake-like Soft Christmas Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your soft Christmas cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate for a classic holiday treat.
• Create a festive cookie platter by arranging these soft Christmas cookies alongside gingerbread men and peppermint bark for variety.
• Serve these soft cookies as edible gifts by packaging them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.
• Offer them with coffee or spiced tea during holiday gatherings or Christmas morning breakfast.
• Use these soft Christmas cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches with peppermint or eggnog flavored ice cream.
• Display them on a tiered stand with other holiday desserts for an attractive Christmas table centerpiece.
• Crumble them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a quick festive dessert topping.

For special occasions, dust your soft Christmas cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing glaze to enhance their festive appearance before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and makes cookies tough. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Mistake: Using warm butter that causes cookies to spread too much. Fix: Use room-temperature butter that holds a slight indentation when pressed.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step, leading to flat cookies. Fix: Chill dough for at least 1-2 hours to solidify the fat and control spreading.
• Mistake: Baking on a hot cookie sheet, which melts the dough prematurely. Fix: Always use cool baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the cookies and makes them hard. Fix: Remove cookies when edges are just set but centers still look slightly underdone.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly, resulting in a dry, crumbly dough. Fix: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Mistake: Using old baking powder or soda, which fails to provide proper lift. Fix: Test leaveners for freshness and replace them every 6 months.
• Mistake: Rolling dough too thin, creating crisp instead of soft cookies. Fix: Aim for a consistent ¼- to ½-inch thickness for optimal softness.
• Mistake: Storing cookies while still warm, trapping steam and making them soggy. Fix: Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.
• Freezer: Freeze Soft Christmas Cookies in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheat: Warm Soft Christmas Cookies in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes until heated through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Proper storage keeps your Soft Christmas Cookies deliciously soft and safe to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy baking these delightful Soft Christmas Cookies! For more festive treats, try our Marshmallow-Surprise Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe. Share your cookie creations in the comments and subscribe for more sweet recipes!

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FAQs

How do I keep my Soft Christmas Cookies soft and chewy?

Do not overbake them. Remove the Soft Christmas Cookies from the oven when the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make the dough for Soft Christmas Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for several months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much and lose their shape?

Your dough was likely too warm. Always chill the dough thoroughly before baking. Using a cool baking sheet for each batch also helps prevent the Soft Christmas Cookies from spreading.