Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Soft Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe delivers perfectly tender, cake-like cookies that hold their shape beautifully when decorated. They’re wonderfully soft without being crumbly and have just the right sweetness to complement festive icing. For more easy holiday treats, try the No Bake Pistachio Pie Recipe or Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe for effortless seasonal baking.

Ingredients

These Soft Christmas Cookies bake up with tender, cake-like centers and delicate edges that hold their shape beautifully for decorating.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or salted butter, reduce salt to 1/4 teaspoon)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon milk

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: These Soft Christmas Cookies are about 20% faster to make than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step incorporates air, which helps your Soft Christmas Cookies rise.

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a smoother dough.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.

For extra flavor, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of almond extract for 1 teaspoon of the vanilla.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.

For a softer cookie, you can replace ¼ cup of the flour with cornstarch.

Step 4 — Mix Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

If the dough seems too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before rolling.

Step 5 — Roll and Cut Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out your shapes.

For clean cuts, dip your cookie cutter in flour between uses.

Step 6 — Chill Dough

Place the cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This prevents spreading.

Chilling the dough ensures your Soft Christmas Cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should look soft and set.

For uniformly soft cookies, avoid overbaking. They will firm up as they cool.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooling fully is essential before decorating to prevent icing from melting.

Step 9 — Decorate and Serve

Once completely cool, decorate your Soft Christmas Cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar.

Store decorated cookies in a single layer or with parchment between layers to protect the icing.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	19g
Fat	4g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond flour instead of all-purpose flour — Creates a nutty flavor while making these Soft Christmas Cookies gluten-free and lower in carbs.
• Greek yogurt in place of butter — Adds protein and moisture for a tender texture, reducing saturated fat while keeping them soft.
• Unsweetened applesauce for sugar — Naturally sweetens the dough with fewer calories and a subtle fruity note.
• Coconut oil instead of butter — Offers a dairy-free option with a light coconut aroma that complements traditional spices.
• Oat flour for all-purpose flour — Provides whole-grain fiber and a mild, wholesome taste in these gluten-free cookies.
• Egg whites instead of whole eggs — Lowers cholesterol and fat while maintaining structure for fluffy Soft Christmas Cookies.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Cuts sodium content without affecting rise, letting the vanilla and spice flavors shine.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Soft Christmas Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate for a classic holiday treat.
• Create a festive cookie platter by arranging your Soft Christmas Cookies alongside gingerbread men and shortbread for variety.
• Serve these soft cookies as edible gifts by stacking them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon.
• Offer them with coffee or spiced tea during holiday gatherings or as a sweet ending to Christmas dinner.
• For a decorative touch, sprinkle the Soft Christmas Cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter before serving.
• Plate them on a vintage Christmas tray with doilies for a nostalgic, charming presentation.

These Soft Christmas Cookies are wonderfully versatile and bring a homemade, festive touch to any holiday occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops too much gluten. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears for the softest texture.
• Mistake: Using melted butter instead of softened butter. Fix: Cream room-temperature butter with sugar to incorporate air for a cake-like crumb.
• Mistake: Baking cookies on a hot, un-preheated sheet. Fix: Always use a cool baking sheet to prevent the bottoms from spreading and burning.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which quickly dries them out. Fix: Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly, leading to a dense cookie. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step for a high-butter dough. Fix: Chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours to prevent excessive spreading.
• Mistake: Using only granulated sugar, which spreads more. Fix: Incorporate some brown sugar for its moisture, which helps keep cookies soft.
• Mistake: Storing cookies while they are still warm. Fix: Let cookies cool completely before storing to avoid trapped steam making them soggy.
• Mistake: Rolling dough too thin, resulting in crisp cookies. Fix: Aim for a consistent 1/4 to 1/2-inch thickness for the perfect soft bite.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes until heated through.

Always ensure reheated cookies reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F for food safety.

Conclusion

These soft Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday baking and decorating. If you love these, try our Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe or Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Cookies Recipe next. Share your cookie creations in the comments and subscribe for more festive recipes!

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FAQs

How do I keep my Christmas cookies soft?

Store your Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container once they are completely cool. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain their soft texture by adding moisture.

Can I freeze the dough for these Soft Christmas Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Your dough might be too warm. Chill the Soft Christmas Cookies dough for at least 1-2 hours before baking. Also, ensure you are not using too much butter or baking on a hot baking sheet.