Soft Christmas Cookies are a nostalgic holiday favorite—pillowy, tender, lightly sweet, and perfect for decorating. These cookies bring warmth, comfort, and festive joy to any gathering. Whether served at a holiday party, gifted to loved ones, or enjoyed with a warm drink, they never fail to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft Christmas Cookies are incredibly easy to make and deliver that classic holiday bakery-style texture: soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth. They hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with colorful icing or sprinkles. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and creates consistently delicious results every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
3 tablespoons milk

For the icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until fully combined.
5. Pour in the milk and mix again.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets and gently flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
11. Once the cookies have fully cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 30 soft Christmas cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: none required
Bake time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

– Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for a fresh holiday twist.
– Use different extracts such as orange, coconut, or extra vanilla.
– Stir in festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm seasonal flavor.
– Make them dairy-free by using plant-based butter and milk.
– Cut the dough into shapes using cookie cutters and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To keep them extra soft, place a piece of bread in the container.
Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before icing.
If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for 5–7 seconds.

FAQs

How do I keep these cookies soft for days?

Store them in an airtight container with a small piece of bread; the moisture keeps the cookies tender.

Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, optional chilling for 30 minutes can help cookies maintain shape, especially when using cookie cutters.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Do these cookies hold their shape well?

Yes, they spread only slightly and work well for shaped or round cookies.

Can I decorate them with royal icing instead?

Yes, royal icing works beautifully if you want more detailed decorations.

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely. The almond extract adds a subtle flavor, but leaving it out will not affect the texture.

What can I substitute for granulated sugar?

You can use fine cane sugar; avoid brown sugar as it changes the texture and flavor.

Why did my cookies turn out dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Bake just until the edges are set.

Can I color the dough instead of the icing?

Yes, mix gel food coloring directly into the dough for colored cookies.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Yes, both baked cookies (undecorated) and dough freeze well.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Cookies are the perfect festive treat—easy to prepare, wonderfully tender, and endlessly customizable. With simple ingredients and reliable results, this recipe adds sweetness and joy to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing a seasonal gift box, these cookies will become a beloved tradition year after year.

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