Best Soft Christmas Cookies for Warm Holiday Joy

Name: Best Soft Christmas Cookies for Warm Holiday Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

June 10, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house—it’s like a warm hug during the holiday season! I can still remember the excitement of baking with my grandma every December. We’d gather in her cozy kitchen, flour dusting our noses, and create batches of cookies that would fill the air with sweet anticipation. These best soft Christmas cookies became a family tradition, a recipe passed down through generations, and I can’t wait to share it with you! They’re soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your home too. You’ll find the joy of baking together, the smiles shared, and the memories created all wrapped up in each delicious bite. So, let’s gather our ingredients and bring a little magic into the kitchen this holiday season!

best soft christmas cookies - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking the best soft Christmas cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them that lovely structure. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps your cookies rise and gives them a soft texture. It’s essential for that perfect fluffiness!
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent that adds a little extra lift. Together with the baking soda, it ensures your cookies are light and airy.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the star of the show! Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour so it’s nice and creamy, which makes our cookie dough smooth and delicious.
1 1/2 cups white sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them spread perfectly. You could also use a mix of brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you like!
1 egg: A binding agent that keeps everything together and adds moisture for that soft texture. Remember to use a large egg.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds warmth and sweetness. Use pure vanilla for the best flavor—you won’t regret it!
3/4 cup powdered sugar: This can be used for dusting on top after baking, giving your cookies a beautiful finish. It’s optional, but it adds a lovely touch!
1/2 teaspoon salt: A little pinch enhances all the flavors in your cookies. Don’t skip it, as it balances the sweetness!
1 cup chocolate chips (optional): These are a delightful addition! You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Feel free to substitute with nuts or dried fruits if you want a different twist!

How to Prepare the Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—baking these delightful cookies! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of the best soft Christmas cookies in no time!

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step might seem small, but it’s super important! Preheating ensures your cookies bake evenly and rise perfectly. While it’s warming up, it gives you a moment to get everything else ready. Just be careful when you open the oven door—hot air can escape, so it’s best to minimize that. Safety first!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk them together gently until they’re fully mixed. This step is key because it distributes the leavening agents evenly, ensuring each cookie rises beautifully. If you see any lumps in the flour, just break them up with your whisk or spoon. It should feel light and fluffy when you’re done!

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a larger mixing bowl, you’ll cream together the softened butter and white sugar. Use an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon if you’re feeling strong!) and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look pale and airy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which helps give your cookies that soft texture we all love!

Combining Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go, so no bits are left behind. Then, gradually add your flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. This way, you avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.

Adding Chocolate Chips

If you’re adding chocolate chips (and who wouldn’t want to?), this is the time! Gently fold them into the dough with a spatula or wooden spoon. You could also throw in some chopped nuts or dried fruits at this stage if you want to get creative. It’s all about making these cookies your own!

Baking the Cookies

Now it’s time to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Give them some space, as they’ll spread a little while baking. Pop the sheets in your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers look a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool!

Cooling and Storing

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set properly. If you can resist the temptation, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long in your house!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of cookies in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Soft and Delicious: These cookies are incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth, making them an irresistible treat for everyone.
Festive Spirit: The delightful aroma of cookies baking fills your home with holiday cheer. It’s a wonderful way to get into the festive mood!
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re gifting them to friends or taking them to a holiday party, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.
Adaptable for Dietary Needs: Feel free to customize them! You can easily make them gluten-free or dairy-free with a few simple swaps.
Family Tradition: This recipe is perfect for creating memories with family and friends, just like I did with my grandma. It’s a great way to pass down a beloved holiday tradition!

Tips for Success

To really nail the best soft Christmas cookies, here are some pro tips to ensure your baking adventure goes smoothly:

Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial! Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for precision.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them incorporate better, leading to a smoother dough and softer cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a fluffy dough that still holds together nicely.
Chill the Dough (if needed): If you find that your dough is too soft or sticky to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies! They’re done when the edges are lightly browned, but the centers should still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking. It also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t hesitate to try different mix-ins or flavorings! You could add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist, or swap chocolate chips for caramel bits. Let your creativity shine!

Nutritional Information

As with all recipes, the nutritional information for these best soft Christmas cookies can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can provide a general idea, remember that these values may not be precise. For reference, here’s what you can typically expect for one cookie:

Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keep in mind that if you make any substitutions or modifications, the nutritional values will change. It’s always a good idea to calculate based on your specific ingredients if you’re keeping an eye on your diet. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these best soft Christmas cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions that might help clear things up:

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum in it, or add a bit yourself to help with texture. They’ll still be soft and delicious!

How should I store the cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and they’ll stay good for up to 2 months.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits?

Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a festive twist. Just remember to adjust the amount of chocolate chips if you’re adding other ingredients, so the dough stays balanced.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling will make it easier to scoop and shape, plus it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you’re ready to bake, scoop it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before dropping it onto the baking sheets.

Personal Touch

Now that you’ve made these best soft Christmas cookies, I’d love to hear from you! What variations did you try? Did you add a sprinkle of cinnamon or swap out chocolate chips for some dried cherries? Every little twist makes the recipe even more special. Baking is about creating memories, and I’d be thrilled to know how these cookies fit into your holiday traditions.

Feel free to share your stories or any fun baking mishaps you’ve had along the way! Did the dough end up a little too sticky, and you had to get creative? Or maybe you baked a batch that turned out just perfect and brought smiles to your family? Whatever it is, your experiences can inspire others in our little baking community. So, let’s connect over our love for cookies and the joy they bring to our homes!

Drop a comment below or send me a message with your thoughts. I can’t wait to hear how your cookie adventures go this holiday season!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.