Best Soft Christmas Cookies

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Best Soft Christmas Cookies – Buttery, Tender & Perfect for Decorating

These dreamy sugar cookies are soft, flavorful, and hold their shape beautifully—ideal for holiday cutouts and decorating.

Introduction: The Ultimate Holiday Cookie

There’s something magical about a soft sugar cookie—especially during the holidays. These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are everything you want in a festive treat: buttery, tender, lightly sweet, and delicately flavored with vanilla and almond. They melt in your mouth, hold their shape when baked, and somehow taste even better the next day.

Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just want a cozy afternoon project, this recipe is a must-have. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly customizable. Add sprinkles, icing, or enjoy them plain—these cookies are the kind that disappear fast and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible:

Wet Ingredients:

  • Salted butter (¾ cup, softened)
    Adds richness and flavor. Salted butter balances the sweetness.
  • Cream cheese (2 oz, softened)
    Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that enhances the texture.
  • Granulated sugar (1⅓ cups)
    Sweetens the dough and helps create a soft crumb.
  • Egg (1 large)
    Binds the dough and adds richness.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
    Adds warmth and classic cookie flavor.
  • Almond extract (½ tsp)
    Adds a festive, nutty note that elevates the flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour (3 cups)
    Provides structure and chewiness.
  • Baking powder (1½ tsp)
    Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
  • Salt (1 tsp)
    Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.

Optional Add-Ins: Citrus zest, nutmeg, or a splash of rum extract for holiday flair.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling racks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar

In a large bowl:

  • Beat ¾ cup softened butter, 2 oz cream cheese, and 1⅓ cups sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.

Tip: Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.

Step 2: Add Egg & Extracts

Add:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract

Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

  • Whisk together 3 cups flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Tip: Dough should be soft but not sticky. If needed, add a tablespoon of flour.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide dough into two balls.

Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Roll & Cut

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface:

  • Roll one dough ball to ¼ inch thickness.
  • Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
  • Place on baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.

Tip: Re-roll scraps gently to avoid tough cookies.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 8–12 minutes, until:

  • Cookies are set
  • Edges are pale and just beginning to firm

Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Yields:

  • 36 cookies

Presentation Tip: Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or festive sprinkles once cooled.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Holiday cookie trays
  • Decorating parties
  • Edible gifts
  • Santa’s cookie plate

Pair with:

  • Hot cocoa or spiced cider
  • Eggnog or peppermint tea
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Tip: Store in a tin with parchment between layers to keep them soft.

Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:

Citrus Sugar Cookies

Add orange or lemon zest to the dough.

Chocolate-Dipped

Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Nutty Twist

Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and egg replacer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
  • Refrigerate: Store baked cookies in airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze: Freeze dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Tip: Thaw frozen cookies at room temp and refresh in a warm oven for 2 minutes.

Nutrition Notes (Per Cookie, ~1 of 36)

  • Calories: ~120
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
  • Fat: ~6g
  • Sugar: ~8g
  • Sodium: ~90mg
  • Fiber: ~0g

These cookies are:

  • Soft and buttery
  • Lightly sweet and spiced
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of holiday joy, cozy baking, and melt-in-your-mouth magic. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress and satisfy. With their tender texture and festive flavor, they’re the kind of cookie that becomes a tradition.

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