These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are the ultimate festive treat for the holiday season. The cookies are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for decorating with your favorite holiday sprinkles or frosting. The key to achieving their soft texture is chilling the dough before rolling and baking, which helps the cookies hold their shape. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a holiday cookie exchange, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The recipe is easy to follow, making it a great option for baking with kids and creating holiday memories.
These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are a holiday tradition in many households, offering a sweet, soft texture that’s perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends. The cookies are easy to make, with simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and festive treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or a fun family baking day, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies the best for the holiday season!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookies, giving them structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft and light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- 1 cup margarine (softened): Provides richness and moisture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
- 2 large eggs: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cookies.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat the white sugar and softened margarine together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3:
- Beat in the first egg, then add the second egg along with the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Step 4:
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will affect the texture of the cookies.
- Step 5:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to allow it to firm up. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Step 6:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease two cookie sheets.
- Step 7:
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Step 8:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let them cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Best Soft Christmas Cookies as they are or decorate with icing and sprinkles to add a festive touch.
- These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, parties, or as a homemade gift. Package them in decorative tins or bags for a special presentation.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- If you’d like to freeze the cookies, allow them to cool completely before storing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or decorating.
Helpful Notes
- For a slightly different flavor, try adding a dash of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
- If you want the cookies to be extra soft, be careful not to overbake them. Keep an eye on the edges—once they’re just starting to turn golden, it’s time to take the cookies out of the oven.
- Chilling the dough is essential for ensuring the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Martha Stewart recommends using royal icing to decorate these cookies for a classic holiday look.
- Chef Ina Garten suggests sprinkling a bit of sanding sugar on the cookies before baking for a festive sparkle.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- These cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for decorating, making them a fun family activity during the holidays.
- The simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- They’re great for gifting, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.
VARIATIONS
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
- Try adding holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more festive flavor.
- Use different shaped cookie cutters for various occasions—these soft cookies are versatile and perfect for any celebration.