If you’re on the hunt for a soft Christmas Cookies Recipe that will instantly become a holiday favorite, look no further. These cookies are wonderfully tender with just the right balance of sweetness, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive gathering, this recipe brings a delightful warmth and festive charm to your holiday celebrations. Plus, once you taste them, you’ll understand why soft cookies are the ultimate treat to spread joy during the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential, each ingredient in this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that keeps the cookies tender to the vanilla and almond extracts that add subtle depth, these basic pantry staples come together to make something truly magical.
- All-purpose flour (3 ¾ cups): The base that gives structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay fluffy and light.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds moisture and richness, creating that classic soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients together and add moisture and chewiness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses warmth and traditional flavor.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle nutty aroma for holiday charme.
- Milk (4 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Essential for the silky smooth frosting.
- Milk (4 tablespoons for frosting): Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for frosting): Adds extra flavor to the icing.
- Food coloring (optional): For festive holiday colors that brighten up the plate.
- Sprinkles (optional): Adds fun texture and a pop of color to your festive treats.
How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This sets the stage for evenly baked cookies that won’t stick, making cleanup easier and your cookies picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and salt are evenly distributed across the flour, which helps yield perfectly soft cookies with consistent flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process is key to creating airy cookies with a tender texture, so take a few minutes to get it nice and creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. These add moisture and depth of flavor that are signature to this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe, making each bite comforting and festive.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour in the milk as you mix to ensure a dough that’s soft but not sticky—a balance that guarantees your cookies will stay tender and spread evenly during baking.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop the dough onto your prepared pans, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures the softness and chew in the center once cooled.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a silky smooth frosting. Add food coloring as desired for a cheerful, holiday-ready glaze.
Step 8: Decorate Your Cookies
Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or drizzle the frosting atop each one and sprinkle festive decorations if using. Let the frosting set before serving to avoid smudging your beautiful creations.
How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the classic choice, bringing a fun crunch and color that screams holiday spirit. You can also try crushed peppermint candy or a dusting of edible glitter to add sparkle and seasonal flair to your soft Christmas cookies.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft cookies with warm drinks like spiced hot chocolate, cinnamon-spiced coffee, or a creamy eggnog for an indulgent holiday experience. These combinations highlight the cookies’ vanilla and almond notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or greenery like pine sprigs. Tie a bundle of cookies with a pretty ribbon as a thoughtful edible gift. Presentation makes the experience extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain their soft texture!
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted or frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This warms the butter inside, bringing back that irresistible softness.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but margarine can substitute in a pinch. Keep in mind that the richness and softness might slightly differ.
Why are my cookies not soft after baking?
Softness depends on baking time and ingredient ratios. Make sure not to overbake; pulling cookies out when edges are set but centers still look soft keeps them tender.
What’s the best way to add color to the frosting?
Gel or paste food coloring works best as it adds vibrant color without thinning out the frosting like liquid coloring might.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary. For best softness, choose blends designed for baking and consider adding a bit of xanthan gum if your blend lacks it.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely! Their soft texture, festive look, and delicious flavor make them perfect for sharing during the holidays. Just package them carefully to keep the frosting intact.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is truly a joy to bake and share. It combines simple ingredients with festive charm to create soft, flavorful cookies that will bring smiles at every holiday gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
Print
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with classic ingredients like butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are perfect for decorating with festive colored icing and sprinkles. Ideal for sharing at holiday parties or gifting to loved ones, they offer a soft and buttery bite complemented by a sweet, creamy glaze.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 4 tablespoons milk
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Once cookies are completely cool, spread icing over the tops and decorate with sprinkles if using. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing colors without affecting consistency.
- For a festive twist, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
