Easy Soft Christmas Cookie Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s as soft as a cloud and festively charming, you’re in the right place. I’m super excited to share my Easy Soft Christmas Cookie Recipe that has become a holiday staple in my kitchen. These cookies are the perfect balance of buttery, tender, and subtly sweet with just a hint of almond — I promise they’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Stick around because I’ll walk you through every little detail so you can nail them on your very first batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that irresistibly soft and flavorful cookie. My little tip? Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened well — it makes mixing a breeze and keeps the dough wonderfully smooth.

• Salted butter: Using salted butter adds depth to the cookie’s flavor, but if you only have unsalted, just add a pinch more salt.
• Cream cheese: This is the secret weapon for softness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Sugar: Plain granulated sugar creates that classic texture and sweet base.
• Eggs: They help bind the ingredients and give structure without making the cookies stiff.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is best for the richest flavor.
• Almond extract: Just a touch perks up the cookies with a warm, nutty aroma — trust me, it’s worth it.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough for that perfect chew.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and keeps the cookies super soft rather than cakey.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly without spreading too thin.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors to make them pop.
• Red & Green sanding sugar: For that pretty festive finish — you can’t go wrong with a little sparkle at Christmas!

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Soft Christmas Cookie Recipe can be — it’s like a blank canvas for your holiday creativity! You’ll find that simple swaps or twists make it feel new every year.

• Chocolate Dip: Once cooled, dunk half the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle a bit of sanding sugar before it sets — my family goes crazy for this chocolaty upgrade!
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just double-check it has xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Spiced Cookies: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves (about 1 teaspoon total) to the dry ingredients for a cozy winter twist.
• Jam Thumbprints: Press an indent in the center before baking and fill it with your favorite jam. Such a fun tradition for cookie exchanges!

How to Make Easy Soft Christmas Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Beat Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by putting your softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar into a large bowl. I like to use a hand mixer here — it makes the dough light and fluffy, which is super important for soft cookies. Beat for about 4 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed so everything combines evenly. You’ll notice the mixture lightens in color and looks velvety, which means you’re on the right track.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. This combo creates that cozy holiday scent that fills your kitchen and makes you want to start munching already!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture on low speed. Using a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides helps everything fully incorporate. You’ll end up with a soft dough that holds together without being sticky — just right for scooping.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Here’s a trick I learned: chilling the dough for 2 hours really makes the difference. It helps the flavors develop and the texture get that perfect tender crumb. I usually cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge while I clean up — letting it rest is totally worth the wait.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form dough balls, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Press each gently with a fork in a crisscross pattern — it’s such a classic look, don’t you think? Then sprinkle the top with red or green sanding sugar for that festive sparkle.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Here’s where patience pays off: don’t overbake! The edges shouldn’t brown at all, and the cookies will still look a little undercooked in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up beautifully as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack — that’s the secret for soft, tender bites.

How to Serve Easy Soft Christmas Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies off with the classic red and green sanding sugars because they look so festive, but I’ve also tried a quick drizzle of white chocolate for a fancy touch when I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes, a simple dusting of powdered sugar gives them a snowy vibe that’s delightfully charming.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or eggnog—perfect for cozy winter nights. If you’re hosting, I like setting up a little cookie and milk station that everyone, kids and adults alike, totally adore.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these cookies on a tiered platter with sprigs of pine and holly. Wrapping a stack in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon also makes a sweet gift. Once, I even let my kids dip plain cookies in colored chocolate melts to match our tree’s theme—it was a big hit and loads of fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and yummy for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, throw in a slice of bread — it’s a neat trick I picked up that helps maintain moisture.

Freezing

I like to freeze baked cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They keep wonderfully for about 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw on the counter—perfect for last-minute holiday treats.

Reheating

To warm them up, I zap a cookie or two in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds — they come out tasting freshly baked and ultra-soft. This little habit makes my family feel like they’re enjoying cookies right out of the oven, even days later!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Soft Christmas Cookie Recipe brings a little extra magic to the holidays. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how soft and tender the cookies were right out of my oven — better than any store-bought cookie, hands down. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own sweet tooth, these cookies are a sure way to bring smiles around your table. I can’t wait for you to try them and add your own twist — happy baking and happy holidays, friend!

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