Soft Christmas Cookies for the Holidays

Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the air. These Soft Christmas Cookies are everything you love about the holidays — warm, cozy, and full of sweet memories.

With their soft, pillowy centers and lightly golden edges, these cookies are the perfect base for festive decorations, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of icing. They’re the kind of cookie that makes everyone stop and smile — the ones that disappear from the plate before you know it.

Bake a batch to share with neighbors, leave some out for Santa, or enjoy them fresh from the oven with a mug of cocoa. However you serve them, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

🎄 Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds a lovely flavor)
Festive sprinkles or colored sugar, for decorating

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
Add in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), and beat until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their soft texture and shape during baking.

Step 3: Shape and Decorate

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the chilled dough into 1 ½-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Gently press down each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to slightly flatten.
Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
Do not overbake — the centers should look slightly soft when you take them out.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Optional Glaze (for Extra Festive Flair!)

Whisk together:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle over cooled cookies and top with sprinkles for a bakery-style finish.

✨ Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies

Don’t skip chilling the dough: It keeps the cookies thick and soft.
Use real butter: It gives the best flavor and texture.
Change up the colors: Red and green sprinkles are classic, but gold, white, and silver make them extra elegant.
Freeze the dough: Roll into balls and freeze — bake directly from frozen when needed.

🎁 Serving & Storing

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
They make the perfect holiday gift, wrapped in cellophane with a festive ribbon — or tucked into a cookie tin for sharing with friends and neighbors.

❤️ Final Thoughts

These Soft Christmas Cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a holiday tradition in the making. Every buttery bite brings warmth, joy, and nostalgia. So gather your loved ones, turn on some Christmas music, and start baking — because the best holiday memories always begin in the kitchen.