Best Soft Christmas Cookies
These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are irresistibly soft, fluffy, and perfect for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles. A classic holiday sugar cookie made with sour cream for extra tenderness — ideal for cookie exchanges, gifting, and Christmas baking traditions.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional
- 3 tablespoon sour cream
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Add sour cream and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Divide icing, add gel coloring, and decorate cooled cookies. Add sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter to ensure fluffy cookie texture.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if you want them to spread less.
- Gel food coloring works best for vibrant designs.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.