Soft Christmas Cookies

Delightfully buttery and soft Christmas cookies, perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. These festive treats are a holiday favorite for gatherings or fun baking sessions with family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and versatility. They are easy to make, hold their shape beautifully, and are perfect for decorating. Whether you’re baking with kids or creating elegant holiday designs, this recipe delivers on taste and fun.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

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)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, I whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together to combine.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, I beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is fully incorporated.

Combine Ingredients:

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Once a smooth dough forms, I chill it for about 30 minutes if it feels too sticky.

Roll and Shape:

I roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Using festive cookie cutters, I create fun shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies:

I bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. After cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Icing:

In a bowl, I whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. For extra fun, I divide the icing and mix in different food coloring options.

Decorate:

Once the cookies are fully cooled, I spread or pipe the icing on top and finish with sprinkles. I let the icing set before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 48 cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch

Total Time: ~1 hour

Variations

Flavorful Add-Ins: I sometimes swap almond extract with peppermint extract for a festive twist.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Natural Colors: Use natural food dyes for icing, such as beet or matcha powder, for vibrant and chemical-free colors.

Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of icing, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a rich touch.

Dairy-Free: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk in the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, a quick 5-second microwave zap can soften them.

Related Recipes:

• Mini Christmas Sugar Cookies
• Old-Fashioned Caramel Icing
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars

FAQs

How can I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?

I like to sprinkle the rolling surface and rolling pin with a light layer of flour. Chilling the dough also helps minimize sticking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! I often prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Avoid overbaking! I take them out when the edges are lightly golden, even if the centers seem slightly underdone—they’ll set as they cool.

Can I use other shapes for the cookies?

Of course! I use any cookie cutters I have, from classic holiday shapes like trees and stars to fun animals or geometric designs.

What’s the best way to store the icing?

I cover any leftover icing tightly and store it in the fridge for up to a week. If it thickens, I whisk in a bit more milk to bring it back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your favorite cookie cutters and let’s make some holiday magic!

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