If there’s one thing that never fails to bring instant holiday cheer into my kitchen, it’s a warm batch of Soft Christmas Cookies. These little wonders are a celebration of everything merry and bright: pillowy-soft, buttery centers, a hint of almond and vanilla, and a riot of colorful sprinkles that practically pop off the plate. They’re easy to make, deliciously nostalgic, and the first to vanish at every holiday party. If you’ve been searching for an irresistible Christmas treat that captures the true spirit (and aroma!) of the season, these are destined to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of baking Soft Christmas Cookies starts with the simplest of ingredients. Each element shines in its own way, helping create melt-in-your-mouth cookies with festive flair that’s impossible to resist.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving your dough just the right structure while keeping them wonderfully tender.
- Baking soda: Helps your cookies puff up gently, adding lightness without making them cakey.
- Baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda to create soft, thick cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming, this gives the cookies a rich flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps the cookies bake up soft and slightly chewy.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds a touch of richness for truly tender cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with classic holiday aroma and warmth.
- Almond extract: Adds an irresistible, festive twist and depth of flavor.
- Milk: Used sparingly to ensure your dough is perfectly soft and manageable (but never sticky).
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: The finishing touch that turns each cookie into a miniature celebration!
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl. This not only combines them evenly but ensures your cookies rise and bake with that signature softness ever so evenly in every batch. Set aside so they’re ready when you need them.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key for the delicate, soft texture—beat for about 2-3 minutes so plenty of air gets incorporated.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, then add your vanilla and almond extracts. This is the magical trio that fills your kitchen with those holiday scents we all crave. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients, just a bit at a time, mixing on low speed. Take care not to overwork the dough—a gentle touch ensures Soft Christmas Cookies stay extra soft and tender.
Step 5: Adjust with Milk
Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until your dough is soft and pliable but not sticky. You may find you need a little more or a little less based on your flour and humidity, so trust your hands here.
Step 6: Shape and Decorate
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll gently into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, then gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass. Sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar—this is where every cookie becomes as festive as your spirit!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 8-10 minutes in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, just until the edges barely begin to turn golden. Resist the urge to overbake! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to finish cooling. And, yes, you’ll be tempted to sneak one while they’re still warm.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies
Garnishes
For these Soft Christmas Cookies, there’s no such thing as too many garnishes! Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry look or add small edible pearls for extra holiday sparkle. If you’re feeling extra creative, a drizzle of simple glaze or a few mini chocolate chips takes things over the top.
Side Dishes
The magic of Soft Christmas Cookies is their versatility—they’re equally at home next to a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. For a more grown-up twist, serve with spiced apple cider or a festive holiday tea for cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in holiday tins lined with festive tissue paper for gifting, or arrange them on a big platter with a mountain of colorful sprinkles. If you want every guest to feel special, package a few cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon and add a handwritten tag for an unforgettable homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container—they’ll happily stay soft and fresh for up to five days. If you’re stacking them, slip a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep sprinkles and sugar right where they should be.
Freezing
To freeze, simply place thoroughly cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They’ll keep their softness for up to three months. You can even freeze the raw dough balls: just thaw, decorate, and bake when you’re ready for cookie bliss on demand.
Reheating
If you love your Soft Christmas Cookies warm, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave (from room temp, or allow to thaw if frozen) revives their just-baked coziness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I make Soft Christmas Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these just as delicious for everyone at the table. Just be sure the blend already contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results.
Why did my cookies turn out dry instead of soft?
Dry cookies are usually the result of overbaking or not adding enough milk. Remember to watch the edges—they should just barely start to color—and add milk gradually until your dough is soft but not sticky.
Can I use different extracts for flavor?
Definitely! While vanilla and almond are classic for Soft Christmas Cookies, a splash of lemon, orange, or even peppermint extract can add a whole new holiday twist.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color?
Use jimmies or nonpareils labeled as “bake-stable,” and apply them just before baking. Avoid over-handling the dough once the sprinkles are on to keep your decorations crisp and vibrant.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Oh, yes! Shaping, flattening, and decorating cookies is the best part for little helpers. Letting kids take charge of the sprinkles is guaranteed to make memories (and maybe a mess) you’ll both treasure.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way Soft Christmas Cookies turn a regular day into a celebration. I hope this recipe inspires you to gather friends, family, or even just your own sweet tooth for a festive baking adventure. Give these a try and see how quickly they disappear—I have a feeling they’ll become a cherished holiday tradition at your house, too!
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a holiday favorite, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. With a soft and buttery texture, these cookies are easy to make and delightful to decorate.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
Decorations:
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Milk: Mix in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Shape Dough: Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Flatten and Decorate: Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass and top with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra festive flavor, add a teaspoon of citrus zest to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
