There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a batch of soft Christmas cookies cooling on the counter, ready for frosting, sprinkles, and holiday fun. These cookies deliver everything you want from a classic Christmas treat: buttery flavor, tender texture, and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality. The combination of vanilla, a touch of almond extract, and a hint of sour cream creates a dough that’s both flavorful and incredibly soft.
What truly sets these cookies apart is their fluffy, almost pillowy consistency. They bake up thick with edges that stay pale and soft rather than crisp or browned. This makes them ideal for decorating since the surface remains smooth and tender, providing the perfect canvas for colorful icing. Whether you enjoy intricate designs or simple swirls, these cookies hold both shape and flavor beautifully.
The dough is straightforward to prepare, and the chill time ensures it rolls smoothly and cuts cleanly into holiday shapes. It’s a wonderful recipe for festive baking sessions, whether shared with family, friends, or little helpers eager to add sprinkles. Once decorated, these cookies make charming gifts, dessert-table favorites, and cozy companions for hot cocoa.
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If you love those bakery-style sugar cookies that stay soft for days, this recipe will quickly become a holiday staple. Easy to customize, delightful to decorate, and delicious to eat, these soft Christmas cookies capture the spirit of the season in every bite.
Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
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