Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Treats

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of freshly baked soft Christmas cookies. These cookies are tender, buttery, and full of that nostalgic holiday flavor we all crave. The soft texture combined with a hint of vanilla makes them perfect for decorating with colorful red and green sprinkles or your favorite festive frosting.

Photo byRecipe Smooth

This recipe has a special place in my heart—it’s become a staple at our family gatherings. I remember the first time I made these, their melt-in-your-mouth softness was a hit, especially with the kids. Every year, these cookies become a canvas for creativity, from simple sprinkles to intricate frosting designs. And the best part? They’re super easy to make! Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of these delightful cookies ready in no time.

If you found this recipe through the Recipe Smooth Facebook group, welcome! I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I hope it becomes a holiday tradition in your home too.

A Little History on Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookies have been a part of holiday traditions for centuries, dating back to medieval Europe. Sugar, spices, and butter were used to make cookies that could be cut into festive shapes and shared during the season of giving. The modern-day soft Christmas cookie, with its rich, buttery base, is a perfect blend of these historic roots and the contemporary love for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat. These cookies are great for decorating, making them a perfect project for a cozy winter afternoon with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Red and green sprinkles for decoration (optional)
• Frosting of choice (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, and continue beating until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
5. Shape the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Lightly press down on each cookie to flatten slightly. If desired, sprinkle the tops with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They will continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet after removal, so don’t overbake them.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Decorate (Optional): Once the cookies have cooled, you can frost them with your favorite holiday frosting or enjoy them as they are.

Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, even dough.
• Don’t Overbake: The secret to maintaining that soft, tender texture is to take the cookies out when the centers are just set. They might seem slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
• Customize with Flavors: For a fun twist, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra holiday flavor.

These soft Christmas cookies are perfect with a hot cup of cocoa or alongside a festive holiday dinner. They also make great gifts when wrapped up in a pretty box or bag.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your cookies turned out! Share this recipe with your friends, and be sure to follow me for more delightful holiday recipes. Happy baking, and enjoy these cozy holiday treats!