Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These soft frosted Christmas cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, with a tender texture and creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. They’re surprisingly easy to make and perfect for cookie exchanges or leaving out for Santa. If you enjoy festive baked goods, you might also love these Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe for another seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

These Soft Christmas Cookies bake up wonderfully tender with a delicate crumb and rich vanilla aroma, perfect for decorating with colorful buttercream and festive sprinkles.

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, measured properly
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• For buttercream frosting:
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups (284 g) confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Food coloring & sprinkles (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	8-10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: These Soft Christmas Cookies come together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making them perfect for busy holiday baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating the perfect texture in your Soft Christmas Cookies.

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better incorporation of air. The mixture should be pale yellow and noticeably increased in volume when properly creamed.

Step 2 — Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

For extra flavor, you can substitute almond extract for vanilla or use a combination of both. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 3 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your Soft Christmas Cookies.

For the softest texture, use all-purpose flour and avoid over-measuring. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife for accuracy.

Step 4 — Mix Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make cookies tough rather than soft.

The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before rolling. For colorful Soft Christmas Cookies, you can divide the dough and add food coloring at this stage.

Step 5 — Chill Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or until firm. Chilling prevents spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.

For best results, chill overnight. The cold dough will hold its shape better when baking, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.

Step 6 — Roll and Cut

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

Work with small portions of dough at a time, keeping the rest refrigerated. Lightly flour your rolling pin and surface to prevent sticking, but avoid excess flour which can make cookies dry.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be just set but not browned.

For the softest texture, remove cookies when they appear slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows the Soft Christmas Cookies to set properly.

Wait until cookies are completely cool before decorating. Warm cookies will cause frosting to melt and lose definition.

Step 9 — Decorate and Store

Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles. Let decorations set completely before stacking or packaging.

Store Soft Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve decorations.

Nutritional Information

Calories	120
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	5g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond flour — A gluten-free, lower-carb swap that adds nutty richness to your Soft Christmas Cookies.
• Coconut sugar — A lower-glycemic alternative with caramel notes that keeps cookies soft.
• Greek yogurt — Replaces butter for a protein boost while maintaining moisture in Soft Christmas Cookies.
• Applesauce — A low-fat, dairy-free substitute that enhances natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Oat flour — A whole-grain, gluten-free option that yields tender, cake-like cookies.
• Avocado oil — A heart-healthy, neutral-flavored fat alternative to butter in dairy-free versions.
• Egg whites — Lower-cholesterol protein source that helps bind ingredients without altering flavor.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Cuts sodium while ensuring proper rise in your Soft Christmas Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Soft Christmas Cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for a cozy holiday treat.
• Create a festive cookie platter by arranging Soft Christmas Cookies alongside gingerbread men and peppermint bark.
• Serve Soft Christmas Cookies at holiday parties with a side of eggnog or mulled wine for adult gatherings.
• Package Soft Christmas Cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream between two Soft Christmas Cookies for an instant holiday ice cream sandwich.
• Display Soft Christmas Cookies on a tiered stand with holiday greenery for an elegant Christmas dessert table centerpiece.

For special occasions, dust Soft Christmas Cookies with powdered sugar just before serving to enhance their festive appearance while maintaining their soft texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the dough, which develops too much gluten. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears for a more tender crumb.
• Mistake: Using melted butter instead of softened butter. Fix: Cream room-temperature butter with sugar to incorporate air for lift.
• Mistake: Baking cookies on a hot sheet, causing them to spread. Fix: Always use a cool baking sheet for each batch.
• Mistake: Skipping the chill time for the dough. Fix: Refrigerate dough for at least 1-2 hours to prevent excessive spreading.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the cookies. Fix: Remove them when the edges are just set; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Mistake: Measuring flour incorrectly, leading to a dense texture. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Mistake: Using old baking powder or soda, resulting in poor rise. Fix: Check the expiration date to ensure your leaveners are fresh.
• Mistake: Rolling dough too thin, making cookies crisp instead of soft. Fix: Aim for a consistent ¼-inch thickness for perfectly soft cookies.

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 Soft Christmas Cookies reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F for food safety.

Conclusion

These soft Christmas cookies are the perfect festive treat. We hope you love making them as much as we do! Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts. For more delicious desserts, check out our Christmas Cookie Lasagna Recipe.

Print

FAQs

How do I keep my Soft Christmas Cookies from spreading too much?

Chill your dough thoroughly before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and ensures they stay soft. Properly chilled dough is key to perfect Soft Christmas Cookies.

Can I freeze the dough for Soft Christmas Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling and baking your Soft Christmas Cookies.

Why are my Soft Christmas Cookies tough instead of soft?

Overmixing the dough develops too much gluten, which makes cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, avoid overbaking to keep your Soft Christmas Cookies tender.