The holiday season brings with it an irresistible warmth, not just from gatherings and decorations but also from the sweet scents wafting through our kitchens. As I rolled out the dough for these Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies, I couldn’t help but delight in the rich aroma of butter and vanilla, which instantly puts me in a festive mood. These cookies are a perfect canvas for creativity, whether you prefer them frosted with vibrant icing or simply sprinkled with sugar.
Baking these cookies has become a beloved tradition in my home, a way to share joy and create lasting memories with family and friends. Although they somehow disappear from the cookie jar within moments, the comfort of making them always lingers. Plus, they’re versatile—cater to different dietary preferences with simple substitutions to make them dairy-free or gluten-free.
Join me in spreading holiday cheer with these soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are sure to become an essential part of your festive celebrations!
Why are Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies a Must-Bake?
Melt-in-your-Mouth Delight: The soft texture of these cookies will make your taste buds sing with joy.
Versatile Options: Easily adapt the recipe to cater to dietary preferences, whether dairy-free or gluten-free.
Family Fun: Baking becomes a cherished activity, creating memories as loved ones decorate each cookie together.
Festive Flair: The bright icing and sprinkles add a joyful touch, perfect for any holiday celebration.
Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking!
Get ready to enjoy the sweet fragrances and happy faces that come with every batch of these delightful cookies!
Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• Gather everything you need to bake these irresistible cookies!
For the Batter
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for that fluffy texture; no substitutes necessary.
- Salt – Enhances overall flavor; it’s essential to balance the sweetness from the sugar.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and texture; coconut sugar works as a lovely alternative for a different flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Offers rich flavor and tenderness; use margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Large Eggs – Help bind the ingredients and add moisture; no substitutes suggested for this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract – Imparts an aromatic flavor; almond extract makes a delightful substitute.
For Decoration
- Colored Icing or Sprinkles – Elevate your cookies with vibrant colors; perfect for that festive feel!
- Powdered Sugar – Optional for dusting; adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cookies.
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun of baking these Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies and embracing the spirit of the holidays!
How to Make Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Prep Dough: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined; be gentle to keep the dough tender. Once mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm it up.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) while the dough chills. Prepare your cookie sheets by lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
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Bake: Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Decorate: Once cooled, feel free to decorate your cookies with colored icing or sprinkles. For a shimmering touch, add colored sugar before baking.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra festive flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing it and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. To maintain their delightful texture, ensure the dough is sealed well to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, cut it into shapes, and follow the baking instructions as usual. If you’re feeling even more organized, the dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting into shapes. Enjoy the ease of having freshly baked cookies with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Baking these delightful treats invites the joy of the season, but pairing them with the perfect accompaniments elevates the experience even further.
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Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa complements the sweetness of the cookies, providing a cozy indulgence perfect for sipping by the fire.
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Eggnog: Traditional holiday eggnog adds a creamy, spiced flavor that beautifully harmonizes with the cookies, making your gatherings even more festive.
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Milk: There’s nothing like a classic glass of milk to wash down the soft, buttery sweetness, evoking childhood memories of dunking cookies at the kitchen table.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a burst of color and tartness that balances the cookies’ sweetness; it’s a great way to include a healthy option amidst the indulgence.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream is perfect for dolloping on top of each cookie or enjoyed alongside them, adding an extra layer of decadence.
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Festive Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles not just for decorating the cookies, but also as a fun topping for desserts, giving a cohesive festive theme to your treats.
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Ginger Tea: A warm cup of ginger tea adds a subtle spice that pairs nicely with the sweetness of sugar cookies, creating a comforting and soothing contrast.
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Nut Mix: A selection of sweet and salty nuts can provide a crunchy texture, a perfect counterpoint to the soft sugary bliss of your cookies, making each bite exciting.
Gather friends and family around, enjoy these pairings, and create lasting memories this holiday season!
Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and make these cookies truly yours with some fun variations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a cookie everyone can enjoy.
- Dairy-Free: Use margarine or dairy-free butter alternatives to keep these cookies soft and rich without dairy.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing burst of flavor. A little zest brightens the holiday spirit!
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, aromatic touch perfect for the festive season.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to bring in a delightful sweetness and contrast with the soft texture.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance the cookie’s texture and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Personal Touch: Replace half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a fragrant twist that will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient.
- Holiday Spirit: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters or add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a vibrant, seasonal look!
These delightful variations will help your Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies shine during your holiday festivities!
Expert Tips for Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the dough for at least 2 hours ensures your Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies maintain their shape and tenderness while baking.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix your ingredients until just combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
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Consistent Thickness: Roll your dough to an even 1/4-inch thickness to ensure uniform baking. This helps each cookie bake evenly and look beautiful when decorated.
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Check Baking Time: Keep a close watch while baking; cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly, especially the edges.
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Cool Before Decorating: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
Storage Tips for Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To help maintain their softness, add a slice of bread to the container.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy a cookie, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it briefly in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, always use fresh ingredients. When selecting butter, go for unsalted for better control over salt levels. Eggs should be large and at room temperature for even mixing. When it comes to flour, all-purpose is ideal, but if you’re going gluten-free, make sure to get a quality gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
How should I store Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies?
To enjoy your cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. A handy trick is to place a slice of bread in the container—this will keep the cookies soft as the moisture from the bread helps them stay tender.
Can I freeze Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies?
For sure! To freeze your cookies, first let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
What if my Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies turn out hard?
Very! If your cookies come out hard, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Keep an eye on them while baking—if the edges start to brown, they are ready to come out! Also, ensure you properly measure flour by spooning it into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly, which can compact it.
Are Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! To cater to dairy-free needs, substitute unsalted butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. You can also create a gluten-free version by using an appropriate gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check for allergies among your loved ones, especially with ingredients like eggs and flavor extracts.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! To make the dough ahead, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out and baking. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies even on short notice!
Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined; be gentle to keep the dough tender. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) while the dough chills. Prepare your cookie sheets by lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on cookie sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Decorate your cookies with colored icing or sprinkles. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate.