If you’re dreaming of classic holiday treats that melt in your mouth and bring endless joy, this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is the one to try. Packed with buttery goodness and a tender crumb, these cookies perfectly balance sweetness and texture, making them the ultimate festive delight to bake and share during the holiday season. Whether you decorate them with colorful sprinkles or enjoy them plain, these cookies instantly evoke the warmth and magic of Christmas with every bite.

Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity: straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy butter for richness to the sour cream for that signature softness and subtle tang.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps cookies moist and gives a slight tang that balances sweetness.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to a soft crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor typical of holiday baking.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides gentle leavening for a light texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with rising and creates a delicate crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: Perfect for adding festive sparkle and charm.

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by beating the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential because it incorporates air into your dough, which helps make these cookies irresistibly soft and tender.

Step 2: Add Sour Cream, Eggs, and Vanilla

Mix in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugar. The sour cream not only adds moisture but also lends a gentle tanginess that balances the sweetness, while the eggs ensure everything binds beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This distributes the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour to guarantee consistent texture in every cookie.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until your dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling lets the flavors meld and firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and resulting in a better texture once baked.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, gently roll them, and place them two inches apart on the sheets.

Step 7: Decorate and Bake

Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass, then sprinkle generously with holiday sprinkles for that cheerful festive look. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the cookies are not browned, ensuring tender softness.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up just enough while staying soft inside.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While sprinkles bring traditional holiday cheer, you can also dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze for added sweetness and an elegant look. For a personalized touch, try adding chopped nuts or edible glitter to delight your guests.

Side Dishes

These soft Christmas cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks like steaming hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a cozy cup of chai tea. Offering a bite of a soft cookie alongside these beverages elevates your festive gatherings, creating moments of comfort and joy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly festive display, arrange the cookies on a decorative platter lined with holiday-themed parchment paper. You can also stack them in mason jars tied with a ribbon, making them perfect gifts. Alternatively, create a cookie tree by stacking different-sized cookies on a cone-shaped board for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Soft Christmas Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy that homemade magic even after the baking frenzy is over.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies and revive their softness, warm them briefly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This reawakens the buttery, tender texture, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to prevent the cookies from tasting too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which makes it easier to handle and shape. It also helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring a nice soft texture.

Can I add other flavor extracts?

Absolutely! Almond extract is a popular addition for extra flavor—just add about 1/2 teaspoon to the dough. You can also experiment with mint or orange extracts for a holiday twist.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free soft Christmas cookies, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.

How do I keep my cookies soft longer?

Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping your cookies soft and chewy for days.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is more than just making a sweet treat; it’s creating a joyful holiday tradition filled with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re sharing with family or delighting neighbors with a tasty gift, these cookies bring smiles that last long after the last crumb is gone. Grab your apron and whip up a batch—you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated Christmas without them!