Introduction
The Best Soft Christmas Cookies are tender, bakery-style sugar cookies that stay pillowy, moist, and buttery with every bite. Frosted with creamy icing and decorated with festive sprinkles, these cookies are a beloved holiday classic. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, and Christmas celebrations of every kind.
Origin
Soft sugar cookies trace back to early American baking traditions, where simple butter-and-sugar doughs were rolled, cut, and baked for holidays. Over time, the recipe evolved into a soft “bakery-style” version often seen in grocery stores. Home bakers recreated this texture using sour cream or cream cheese for extra softness, making them a holiday staple.
Cultural Significance
In many homes, Christmas isn’t complete without soft sugar cookies decorated with bright frosting and sprinkles. They symbolize creativity, family traditions, and the joy of seasonal baking. Kids love decorating them, adults love eating them, and they remain one of the most shared treats of the season.
Ingredients & Quantities
For the Soft Cookies
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Christmas sprinkles, for decorating
Optional Additions
- Almond extract in the dough for classic bakery-style flavor
- Lemon or orange zest for brightness
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday twist
- Cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream
- White chocolate drizzle for extra sweetness
Tips for Success
- Do not overmix the dough; this keeps cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the dough if it’s too sticky before rolling.
- Roll thick—thicker dough makes softer cookies.
- Don’t overbake; remove cookies when edges are just set.
- Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the icing.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth mixing.
Instructions
Make the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Scoop or roll dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each).
- Slightly flatten the tops for even baking.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, just until edges are set but not browned.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Add vanilla and milk until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Tint with food coloring if desired.
Decorate
Frost cooled cookies and top with sprinkles before the icing sets.
Description
These Christmas cookies are ultra-soft, slightly cakey, and rich with buttery vanilla flavor. The frosting adds a sweet, creamy finish, while festive sprinkles give them cheerful holiday charm. They look like bakery cookies but taste even better—homemade, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Frosted Cookie)
- Calories: 150–190
- Fat: 7–10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
- Sugar: 12–16 g
- Protein: 1–2 g
- Sodium: 60–90 mg
(Values vary by frosting amount and cookie size.)
Conclusion
The Best Soft Christmas Cookies are everything holiday baking should be—easy, festive, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. They remain a timeless favorite for good reason: simple ingredients, beautiful presentation, and a soft, tender bite every time.
Recommendation
Make a double batch! These cookies freeze beautifully and are perfect for gifting, parties, and decorating with kids. Try experimenting with colors for themed cookie trays.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoy these cookies as part of a balanced holiday season. Savor each bite slowly, share them with loved ones, and acknowledge that festive treats can be both joyful and mindful. A little sweetness goes a long way in creating holiday memories.