The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious baked goods. There’s something truly special about the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the house while holiday music plays in the background. One of the most beloved treats of the season is Soft Christmas Cookies—perfectly tender, buttery, and topped with a sweet, festive frosting. Whether you’re making these for a holiday party, gifting them to friends and family, or leaving a plate out for Santa, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love These Soft Christmas Cookies
✔ Soft and Chewy – Unlike crispy sugar cookies, these cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the secret ingredient: sour cream.
✔ Easy to Make – This no-fuss recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
✔ Perfect for Decorating – The frosting can be customized with food coloring, festive sprinkles, or even a touch of edible glitter.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – These cookies stay soft for days, making them perfect for holiday gifting and entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decorating
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Sheets
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. This helps create a uniform texture in your cookies.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which helps create a soft texture.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, add the sour cream and continue mixing until smooth. The sour cream is the key ingredient that keeps these cookies soft and moist.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and enhances their texture.
7. Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Lightly flatten each ball with your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting
If you’re adding frosting, beat together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Add food coloring if you’d like festive colors.
9. Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting on top and decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes. Let the frosting set before storing.
Expert Tips for the Best Soft Christmas Cookies
✔ Don’t Overbake – The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven. They’ll continue baking as they cool, ensuring a soft texture. ✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures everything mixes evenly for a smooth dough. ✔ Chill the Dough – This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much. ✔ Experiment with Extracts – Try almond extract, peppermint extract, or lemon zest for a unique twist. ✔ Double the Batch – These cookies disappear fast! Make extra so you have plenty for sharing.
Variations to Try
1. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Cookies
Before baking, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for a cozy, snickerdoodle-inspired flavor.
3. Peppermint Frosted Cookies
Mix crushed candy canes into the frosting for a festive peppermint flavor.
4. Glazed Lemon Cookies
Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract and top with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
5. Gluten-Free Option
Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
How to Store Soft Christmas Cookies
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator:
For a slightly firmer texture, store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer:
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place unfrosted cookies in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
The Perfect Holiday Treat for Every Occasion
These Soft Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, making a plate for Santa, or baking with loved ones, these cookies bring joy to every occasion. Their soft, buttery texture and customizable decorations make them a family favorite year after year.
So, put on your coziest sweater, turn on some holiday music, and start baking these delightful cookies! Your kitchen will be filled with the warm aroma of butter and vanilla, and your heart will be full of holiday cheer. Happy baking! 🎄✨