Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Every December, when the lights start twinkling and the scent of pine fills the air, I can’t help but think of holiday baking. And nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of Best Soft Christmas Cookies, fresh from the oven, frosted with colorful icing, and showered in festive sprinkles. These cookies have been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. I grew up helping my mom roll dough, lick frosting spoons, and decorate cookies until the kitchen looked like a sprinkle factory exploded — in the best way possible.

These soft, fluffy sugar cookies are made for sharing, gifting, and enjoying around the tree with a mug of hot cocoa. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, leaving treats out for Santa, or simply carrying on a family tradition, these Christmas cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity, nostalgia, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Why You’ll Love the Best Soft Christmas Cookies

• Super soft texture – Slightly puffy, tender centers with lightly golden edges.
• Classic bakery-style flavor – Vanilla, optional almond, and sour cream create the perfect old-fashioned cookie taste.
• Easy to decorate – Perfect for kids, parties, and holiday cookie boxes.
• Quick prep time – From mixing bowl to oven in minutes.
• Very forgiving dough – Easy for beginners and practically guaranteed to turn out delicious.
• Holiday-perfect – Festive, colorful, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level for accuracy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise just enough.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds softness and lift.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature butter creams best.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetness plus structure.
• 1 egg – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Classic sugar-cookie flavor.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) – Adds that nostalgic bakery-style taste.
• 3 tablespoon sour cream – The secret ingredient for softness and moisture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, glossy icing.
• 1–2 tablespoon milk – Adjust for consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor depth.
• Gel food coloring – For vibrant holiday designs.
• Sprinkles (optional) – Make them merry and bright.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.

2. Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside — this mixture will ensure the dough rises just right.

3. Cream butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step adds air to the dough, which helps the cookies bake up soft and thick.

4. Add egg and extracts

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Almond extract gives these cookies that unmistakable holiday flavor — warm, nostalgic, and just a little bit magical.

5. Add sour cream

Mix in the sour cream until the batter becomes silky and smooth. This ingredient is the secret to getting that soft, tender texture Christmas cookies are known for.

6. Add dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing — it can make the cookies tough. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to scoop.

7. Portion and bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie. These cookies will puff up rather than spread widely, but spacing them apart helps them bake evenly.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden and the centers look set but still soft. Remember: the key to keeping them pillowy soft is not overbaking.

8. Cool completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes — they’ll continue to set slightly as they cool. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before icing.

9. Make the icing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a little more milk for a thinner glaze or more sugar for thicker icing.

10. Decorate

Divide the icing into small bowls and color each batch with gel food coloring. Gel creates beautiful, vibrant colors without thinning the frosting too much.

Spread or drizzle the icing over cooled cookies, then immediately add sprinkles before it sets.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Let icing fully dry before stacking or packing for gifting.
• These cookies stay soft for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
• To freeze:
  • Freeze baked cookies (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
  • Freeze frosted cookies on a tray, then store in layers with parchment.
• Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk — they pair beautifully with warm holiday drinks.
• Add them to cookie platters for parties or gift boxes — they hold up well and travel nicely.

Helpful Notes

• Room temperature ingredients matter. Butter and egg should both be softened — this ensures fluffier cookies.
• Chilling optional: If your dough feels too soft or warm, chill it for 30 minutes to prevent excess spreading.
• Flavor variations:
  • Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
  • Swap almond extract for peppermint for a candy-cane twist.
• Icing alternative: Try cream cheese frosting for richer, thicker cookies.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Your butter may have been too soft, or the dough may have been warm. Chill for 20–30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I roll these cookies and cut shapes?
This dough is designed for drop cookies — soft and puffy. For cut-outs, use a firmer sugar cookie dough.

3. Can I make these without sour cream?
Sour cream is key to the softness, but Greek yogurt can be substituted in a pinch.

4. What type of icing works best?
A simple powdered-sugar glaze works beautifully and dries with a shiny finish. Royal icing can be used for more detailed designs.

5. How do I keep the cookies soft longer?
Store them with a slice of bread in the container — the cookies absorb moisture and stay soft.

Final Thoughts

Baking the Best Soft Christmas Cookies is more than just making dessert — it’s creating memories, filling your kitchen with warmth, and sharing joy with the people you love. These soft, colorful cookies are easy, festive, and wonderfully nostalgic, capturing the true spirit of holiday baking.

Whether you’re decorating with kids, preparing cookie gifts, or simply enjoying the magic of the season, this recipe is one you’ll come back to year after year. Happy baking, and may your holiday be filled with sweetness and sparkle!