Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful treat this holiday season, you’ve got to try this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe. Trust me, these cookies come out perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and keep their festive shapes beautifully—making them as charming as they are delicious. Whether you’re decorating with the kids or baking to impress your holiday guests, this recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic and super easy to master!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that come together to create a tender, fluffy dough that’s easy to handle. Using margarine instead of butter is a little trick I discovered that helps keep the cookies softer longer.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the dough; sift it for lightness and to prevent lumps.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies a little lift and keeps them from becoming too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
• White sugar: Provides sweetness and that slight crunch on the edges.
• Margarine (softened): I use margarine here because it yields extra soft cookies compared to butter.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor that screams holiday cheer.

Variations

I love making this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe my own by switching up add-ins or toppings. You can really get creative here to match your festive mood or dietary preferences!

• Adding spices: I like sprinkling in a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy holiday aroma — it instantly makes the kitchen smell amazing.
• Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend keeping the same amount, and these cookies still come out soft and delicious.
• Chocolate chip twist: Mixing mini chocolate chips into the dough gives an unexpected but delightful flavor boost.
• Decorating: My family goes crazy for colorful sugar sprinkles before baking or classic royal icing decorations once cooled.

How to Make Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sift Your Dry Ingredients

First things first, sift your flour, baking powder, and salt together into a medium bowl. This keeps those ingredients well combined and helps your dough stay light. I’ve noticed when I skip sifting, the cookies can get a bit denser than I like.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened margarine and sugar until smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s the key to getting your cookies super tender inside. You’ll want the mixture to be lighter in color and fluffy; don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. I like to make sure each egg gets fully incorporated before adding the next—helps with consistency. The vanilla really gives these cookies their classic warm flavor.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir in your sifted flour mixture until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the cookies tough. The dough should come together but still feel soft and a bit sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This resting time is a game-changer—I learned this trick helps the cookies keep their shape while baking and enhances the texture.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease two cookie sheets. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut shapes and arrange them on the cookie sheets. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more shapes until all dough is used.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye here—the cookies bake fast and you want to avoid overbaking. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This little rest prevents breakage.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle colored sugar crystals on top right before baking — it adds sparkle and a little crunch that my family loves. For special occasions, I frost cooled cookies with classic royal icing and add festive sprinkles or edible glitter. It’s such fun to personalize each cookie with different designs.

Side Dishes

These soft Christmas cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of cocoa or a glass of cold milk. I also like serving them alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit bowls during holiday gatherings to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these cookies in a wreath shape on a large platter, filling the center with fresh cranberries and pine sprigs for a beautiful festive look. Another time, I wrapped stacks of cookies tied with ribbons as gifts—that was a total hit! Presentation is half the fun with this Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay soft for up to a week, which is fantastic for enjoying leftovers without losing that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the unbaked cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge, roll, cut, and bake as usual. This trick helps me spread out the holiday baking without missing a beat.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3-4 minutes—this lightly warms them and brings back their fresh softness without drying them out. It’s a simple hack I swear by especially during big holiday parties.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking lineup because it’s just that reliable and versatile. I love how easy it is to make, and the results never disappoint—soft, perfectly-shaped cookies that bring so much festive joy. I highly encourage you to try it; roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite cookie cutters, and enjoy the magic of holiday baking with a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

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