Soft Christmas Cookies: Buttery, Tender, and Ready to Decorate
These melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are perfect for holiday cutouts, frosting fun, and festive sprinkles
Introduction: A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a timeless favorite—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. The dough is rich with butter, lightly sweetened, and bakes into soft, pillowy cookies that hold their shape beautifully. Whether you’re cutting out snowflakes, stars, or trees, these cookies are the perfect canvas for icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
They’re ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy afternoons spent decorating with loved ones. And best of all? They stay soft for days, making them perfect for gifting.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore what makes these cookies so soft and flavorful:
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (3¾ cups)
Provides structure and a tender crumb. - Baking powder (1 tsp)
Adds a gentle lift without puffing too much. - Salt (½ tsp)
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Tip: Sift dry ingredients for extra smooth dough.
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
Adds richness and helps create a soft texture. - Granulated sugar (1½ cups)
Sweetens and helps with structure. - Eggs (2 large)
Bind the dough and add moisture. - Vanilla extract (1 tbsp)
Adds warmth and classic cookie flavor. - Sour cream (½ cup)
The secret to ultra-soft cookies—adds moisture and tang.
Optional: Add almond extract or lemon zest for a flavor twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
- Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Tip: Scrape down the sides for even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring
Add:
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream
Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1–2 hours.
Tip: Chilling helps with rolling and prevents spreading.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
On a floured surface:
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Optional: Chill cutouts for 10 minutes before baking for cleaner edges.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until:
- Edges are set
- Tops are just barely golden
Let cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes.
Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Decorate
Once cooled, decorate with:
- Royal icing
- Buttercream
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
Presentation Tip: Arrange on a festive platter with holly or ribbon accents.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Cookie exchanges
- Holiday parties
- Edible gifts
- Decorating with kids
Pair with:
- Hot cocoa
- Spiced cider
- Peppermint mocha
Tip: Package in cellophane bags with ribbon for easy gifting.
Variations to Try
Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Add lemon zest and swap vanilla for lemon extract.
Almond Joy
Add almond extract and dip in chocolate.
Vegan Version
Use plant-based butter, egg substitute, and dairy-free sour cream.
Chocolate Swirl
Add cocoa powder to half the dough and swirl together.
Sandwich Style
Spread jam or frosting between two cookies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare dough up to 2 days in advance.
- Refrigerate: Store baked cookies in airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Tip: Freeze undecorated cookies and decorate after thawing.
Nutrition Notes (Per Cookie, ~1 of 36)
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~6g
- Sugar: ~8g
- Sodium: ~90mg
- Fiber: ~0.5g
These cookies are:
- Kid-friendly
- Crowd-pleasing
- Comfort food approved
- Perfect for gifting
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a tradition, a creative outlet, and a sweet way to connect. Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, they’re guaranteed to bring joy.