Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

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The holiday season just isn’t complete without the buttery, sugar-dusted aroma of classic Christmas cookies wafting through the kitchen. These Soft Christmas Cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines a pillowy texture with festive charm. They’re thick, tender, and hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating with royal icing and sprinkles.

Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just indulging in the cozy joy of homemade sweets, these cookies deliver every time. Their melt-in-your-mouth softness is thanks to a few key ingredients, and they stay tender for days—ideal for make-ahead holiday magic.

What Kind of Frosting Works Best for Christmas Cookies?

While buttercream can be used for a softer, spreadable option, royal icing is the go-to for creating clean, crisp designs that harden beautifully. For these soft sugar cookies, a simple royal icing made with meringue powder, powdered sugar, and a bit of water works wonders. It sets firm enough to stack the cookies but remains slightly soft when you bite into it.

Ingredients for the Soft Christmas Cookies

All-Purpose Flour
The foundation of the cookie, providing structure while keeping the dough soft and workable.

Baking Powder
A leavening agent that helps the cookies puff slightly, giving them that perfect soft thickness.

Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Unsalted Butter
Room temperature butter gives richness and tenderness to the dough.

Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the dough while aiding in the tender crumb.

Eggs
They bind the ingredients and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the holiday vibe.

Almond Extract (optional)
Just a dash adds a bakery-style finish to the cookies.

Royal Icing and Sprinkles
For decorating! The icing sets firm, and festive sprinkles add crunch and color.

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How To Make the Soft Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender texture and even mixing of ingredients.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and optional almond extract. This adds moisture and that classic sugar cookie aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. This makes it easier to roll and cut shapes cleanly.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness, cut into festive shapes, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Edges should be set but not browned.

Step 6: Decorate!

Once completely cooled, decorate with royal icing and holiday sprinkles. Let the icing dry fully before stacking or storing.

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How to Store and Serve These Cookies

To keep your Soft Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve decorated with royal icing, make sure it’s fully dried before stacking. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies and decorate after thawing.

They’re perfect for serving on a holiday dessert platter, gifting in tins, or setting out for Santa on Christmas Eve. For a cozy touch, warm a couple in the microwave for 5 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

What to Serve With Soft Christmas Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

The ultimate winter companion. Rich and creamy hot cocoa makes every bite of cookie even cozier.

Spiced Apple Cider

A warming contrast to the sweet cookie, great for holiday parties.

Eggnog

Pairing classic cookies with eggnog is like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday blanket.

Peppermint Mocha

The minty espresso kick balances the vanilla sweetness of the cookie.

Vanilla Chai Latte

Warm spices and creamy texture elevate the cookie’s flavor.

Fresh Berries

Brighten the plate with raspberries or strawberries for a festive touch.

Holiday Snack Mix

Add variety to your dessert spread with something salty and crunchy.

Gingerbread Cookies

For a mixed cookie tray that smells and tastes like the holidays.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Soft Christmas Cookies are calling your name, you’ll want to try these other festive treats from Chef Alchemy:

• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies with crispy edges and gooey centers.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a nostalgic bite.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies when you’re craving rich cocoa flavor.
• Twix Cookie Cups for a caramel-filled surprise.
• Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies to keep the festive vibes going.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go wild with the sprinkles or stick with classic white icing? Did you add almond extract or skip it?

I love hearing how you make these your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s bake our way to a sweeter season together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and delicious treats on Chef Alchemy’s Pinterest and discover your new go-to for holiday joy!

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