Christmas Sugar Cookies That Stay Soft

Every holiday season, I find myself coming back to one classic recipe that never fails: Christmas Sugar Cookies That Stay Soft. These are the cookies that filled my childhood kitchen with warmth and laughter, the ones we decorated with sprinkles while sneaking bites of dough when no one was looking. They weren't fancy, but they were perfect-soft, buttery, and comforting in the best way.

What makes these Christmas sugar cookies so special is their texture. They stay tender for days, never turning dry or crumbly like so many holiday cookies do. Whether you're baking with kids, preparing cookie boxes for friends, or simply craving a cozy holiday treat, this recipe is a reliable favorite you'll come back to year after year.

Why You'll Love Christmas Sugar Cookies That Stay Soft

• Consistently soft and tender, even days after baking
• Perfect for rolling and cutting into festive shapes
• Simple pantry ingredients, no complicated steps
• Ideal for decorating with icing or sprinkles
• Make-ahead friendly dough for stress-free baking
• Crowd-pleasing classic loved by kids and adults

Ingredients You'll Need

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and sturdy enough for cut-outs.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  Gives a gentle lift without drying the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  Sweetens the cookies and helps create a soft interior.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  The key to rich flavor and tender texture-make sure it's fully softened.
• 2 large eggs
  Adds moisture and helps bind the dough.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Brings warmth and classic sugar cookie flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when the cookies are shaped.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • This ensures even distribution and consistent baking.
3. Cream butter and sugar
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale.
   • This step traps air, which helps keep the cookies soft.
4. Add eggs and vanilla
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
   • Mix just until a soft dough forms-don't overmix.
6. Chill the dough
   • Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
   • Chilling prevents spreading and locks in softness.
7. Roll out the dough
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
   • Thicker dough equals softer cookies.
8. Cut into shapes
   • Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters and place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets.
9. Bake gently
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges barely begin to turn golden.
   • The centers should look pale-this is key for soft cookies.
10. Cool properly
    • Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
    • Cooling this way helps them set without drying out.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve

• Serve these Christmas sugar cookies plain for a simple, buttery treat.
• Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or powdered sugar glaze for festive flair.
• Arrange on holiday platters with gingerbread, shortbread, or chocolate cookies.
• Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of cold milk.

How to Store

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Moisture trick: Place a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 3 months.
• Dough storage: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Helpful Notes

• Do not overbake:
  The biggest secret to Christmas sugar cookies that stay soft is pulling them out early.
• Use softened butter, not melted:
  Melted butter causes spreading and can make cookies greasy.
• Flour carefully:
  Too much flour leads to dry cookies-spoon and level for accuracy.
• For extra softness:
  Roll dough slightly thicker and avoid re-rolling scraps too many times.
• Flavor variations:
  Add almond extract, lemon zest, or a hint of nutmeg for a festive twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did my cookies turn out hard?
   Most often, they were overbaked or had too much flour.
2. Can I skip chilling the dough?
   Chilling is essential for keeping the cookies thick and soft.
3. Can I decorate these cookies?
   Absolutely! These cookies hold their shape well and are perfect for icing.
4. Do these cookies spread a lot?
   No, chilling the dough helps them maintain clean edges.
5. How do I keep cookies soft after baking?
   Store them airtight and add a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Sugar Cookies That Stay Soft are everything a holiday cookie should be-simple, comforting, and absolutely dependable. I've tested this recipe countless times, adjusting baking times and chilling methods to get that perfect soft texture that lasts for days. They're the kind of cookies people reach for first on a holiday tray and ask for again and again.

If you're looking for a classic sugar cookie recipe that won't dry out or disappoint, this one is truly a keeper. Bake a batch, decorate with love, and share them with the people who make the season special. And don't forget-sometimes the softest cookies make the sweetest memories.