Soft Christmas Cookies

There’s something truly magical about baking Soft Christmas Cookies during the holiday season. I still remember standing on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, sneaking little tastes of cookie dough while she hummed Christmas carols and sprinkled colored sugar on freshly baked cookies. The smell of vanilla, butter, and almond filling the air always felt like the true start of Christmas.

These soft, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy winter afternoons with a cup of cocoa. They’re buttery, lightly sweet, and topped with a smooth vanilla icing that adds just the right festive touch. Whether you decorate them with sprinkles or enjoy them plain, these Soft Christmas Cookies will bring warmth and joy to your home this season.

Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Cookies

• Soft and pillowy: These cookies stay tender and moist, even days after baking.
• Classic holiday flavor: The blend of vanilla and almond extract gives that nostalgic Christmas cookie taste.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and no fancy equipment required.
• Perfect for decorating: Add colored icing, festive sprinkles, or edible glitter for a fun family activity.
• Make-ahead friendly: The dough chills beautifully, and the cookies store well for gifting or parties.
• Crowd-pleaser: A timeless recipe everyone—from kids to grandparents—will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour for accurate measuring.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds a little lift without making the cookies cakey.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Use good-quality butter for rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps with the cookie’s soft texture.
• 2 large eggs – Bind the dough and add moisture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Classic, comforting flavor.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract – Adds that signature holiday aroma (use sparingly!).
• 4 tablespoons milk – Keeps the cookies soft and tender.

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Smooth and sweet base for the icing.
• 4 tablespoons milk – Adjust for a thinner or thicker consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the sweetness with warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven.
   Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step gives your cookies their soft texture.
4. Add eggs and flavorings.
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
   Tip: Don’t overmix! That’s the secret to keeping the cookies tender.
6. Shape the cookies.
   Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake to perfection.
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
   They’ll look slightly underbaked—that’s exactly how you want them!
8. Cool the cookies.
   Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
9. Prepare the icing.
   In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to get your desired consistency—thicker for spreading, thinner for drizzling.
10. Decorate and enjoy!
    Once cookies are completely cool, spread or drizzle icing over the tops. Add festive sprinkles, colored sugar, or crushed candy canes if you like. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:
These cookies are wonderful served with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a warm mug of coffee by the fire. They make a beautiful addition to holiday dessert tables, gift boxes, or Christmas Eve platters.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 7 days in the fridge—let them come to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and ice them fresh before serving.

Pro tip: To keep cookies extra soft, store them with a slice of bread in the container—the moisture from the bread keeps the cookies tender!

Helpful Notes

• Chill the dough: For best results, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.
• Flavor variations: Swap almond extract for lemon or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
• Colorful icing: Add a few drops of food coloring to your icing for bright holiday hues.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Decorating fun: Let kids decorate their own cookies—set up a mini “cookie station” with sprinkles, crushed candies, and icing bags!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

2. Why did my cookies turn out dry?
They may have been overbaked or too much flour was added. Spoon and level the flour and pull them from the oven when the centers are still soft.

3. Can I roll out the dough for cut-out cookies?
Absolutely! Chill the dough for at least 1 hour, roll to about ¼ inch thickness, and use cookie cutters for festive shapes.

4. Can I use butter substitutes?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter sticks that mimic real butter’s fat content.

5. How do I make colored icing?
Simply divide the icing into bowls and mix in gel food coloring. Avoid liquid food dyes—they thin the icing too much.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Soft Christmas Cookies is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a moment to slow down, create memories, and share love through something homemade. Every bite is soft, buttery, and filled with that unmistakable Christmas magic.

I’ve tested and perfected this recipe over the years, and it’s one my family looks forward to every December. Whether you’re baking them for Santa, gifting them to neighbors, or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are guaranteed to make the season a little sweeter.