Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that absolutely melts in your mouth and fills your kitchen with that warm holiday aroma, this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how tender and delicate these cookies turn out, making them perfect for decorating or just enjoying with a cup of cocoa. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be your go-to for holiday baking!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, collect the right ingredients to get that perfect soft texture and classic buttery flavor. Using softened margarine instead of butter is my secret to extra tenderness, and mixing in vanilla extract adds that lovely hint of warmth you expect from holiday cookies.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies; make sure it’s fresh for best results in texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft but not puffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• White sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes lightly during baking.
• Margarine, softened: I find margarine gives a softer crumb compared to butter, but softened is key! Don’t skip this step.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that signature cozy note we all love in holiday treats.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is! Over time, I’ve enjoyed tweaking it to suit different tastes and occasions, and I encourage you to make it your own—whether it’s switching up the flavors or accommodating dietary needs.

• Adding Spices: I sometimes mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to add a cozy holiday twist; it’s subtle but definitely festive.
• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the flour once for a blend of gluten-free flour, and it still came out soft and delicious—perfect for guests with sensitivities.
• Decorating Ideas: Colored sugar sprinkles before baking give a sparkling crunch, but a simple royal icing after cooling works beautifully too.
• Chocolate Chip Soft Cookies: Adding mini chocolate chips to the dough is my kid’s favorite spin on this classic recipe.

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients Like a Pro

Start by sifting the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl. I’ve learned that sifting actually improves the dough’s texture by evenly distributing the rising agent and preventing lumps. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Margarine Until Silky

Using an electric mixer, beat the white sugar and softened margarine until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is crucial—if you stop too soon, the cookies won’t get that lovely light texture. I typically beat it for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy.

Step 3: Blend in Eggs and Vanilla

Beat the first egg into the sugar and margarine mixture, then add the second egg along with the vanilla extract. Mixing eggs in one at a time helps keep the batter well-emulsified, which I found makes a huge difference for soft cookies that don’t crack.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Carefully

Gently stir in the sifted flour mixture until the dough just comes together—don’t overmix here, or you’ll risk a tougher cookie. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough for Optimal Softness

Here’s a trick I discovered that makes these cookies so soft: wrap your dough tightly and refrigerate it for 2 hours. This step helps relax the gluten and solidify fats, which means less spreading and a more tender crumb once baked.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake with Care

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease your cookie sheets. On a well-floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes. Arrange the cookies kind of spaced out on the trays so they bake evenly.

Bake them in batches for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden shade. Keep a close eye here—you want golden edges but soft centers. Let the cookies cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sprinking colored sugar right before baking—it adds a subtle sparkle and a little crunch that everyone notices. For more festive flair, simple royal icing with a piping bag is my favorite for decorating with kids. You can also try edible glitter or crushed peppermint sprinkled lightly right after baking for an extra holiday touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or classic eggnog—both are staples in our house during the holidays. I also like serving them alongside a cheese platter to balance the sweetness, which somehow always impresses guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, I’ve wrapped these cookies in cellophane tied with red and green ribbons—looks super charming and festive. Another idea I’ve tried is stacking the cookies with parchment paper between layers in a decorative tin; it keeps them fresh and makes for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’ll want to store your soft Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking, and they stay soft and fresh for up to a week—perfect for nibbling over several days.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the dough in portions before baking. Just roll into a log or flatten discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and roll out as usual. Frozen baked cookies can also be stored in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you want to refresh the softness of leftover cookies, I pop a few in the microwave for about 10 seconds—it brings back that just-baked warmth and softness without drying them out. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll get too chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it came together and how tender the cookies turned out. It instantly became a holiday staple in my family, and I love sharing it with friends because everyone always asks for the recipe! If you’re craving a soft, buttery cookie that’s easy to make and perfect for decorating, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You’ll enjoy making memories as much as you’ll enjoy eating these delicious, soft Christmas treats.

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