As the holiday season sweeps in, the kitchen becomes a cozy haven filled with laughter, warmth, and—most importantly—the delicious scent of freshly baked cookies. I can still vividly recall the joy of surprising my friends with a batch of soft Christmas cookies, their faces lighting up at the sight of those festive sprinkles dancing atop the buttery goodness. These cookies are not just treats; they embody the spirit of celebration and togetherness, making any gathering feel a little more special.
The best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—creating memories with those you love. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can craft these delightfully fluffy cookies in no time, perfect for sharing or filling a cookie platter. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to bake the best soft Christmas cookies—each bite promises a burst of sweetness that says, “Happy holidays!”
Why are best soft Christmas cookies a must?
Joyful Baking Experience: Baking these cookies is such a delight, offering a simple process perfect for any skill level.
Festive Flavors: Infused with rich vanilla and a touch of buttery goodness, they melt in your mouth.
Versatile Treat: Personalize with festive sprinkles or try variations like chocolate chips or citrus zest for an exciting twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to adults—cannot resist these cookies that evoke holiday cheer and warm memories.
Time-Saver: With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a batch in no time!
Share these delicious cookies at parties or give them as gifts to spread joy this season!
Best Soft Christmas Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability to the cookies; feel free to substitute with a gluten-free blend for a delightful alternative.
• Margarine (softened) – Adds richness and a soft texture; unsalted butter can be used for a richer flavor profile.
• Baking powder – Essential for helping the cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Eggs (large) – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness of these best soft Christmas cookies.
• Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic sweetness; consider using pure extract for the most vibrant flavor.
• White sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a chewy texture; brown sugar can impart a deeper, caramel-like flavor if desired.
For the Decoration
• Red and green sprinkles – Bring a festive pop of color to your cookies; they not only look delightful but also add a fun crunch!
Feel free to get creative with your decorations and enjoy the process!
How to Make Best Soft Christmas Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This creates the perfect warm environment for baking your cookies.
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Cream the softened margarine and white sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This will ensure your cookies are airy and tender.
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Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This step adds moisture and aromatic flavor to your dough.
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and ready to be combined.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the creamed mixture gradually. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix; this will help keep your cookies soft and chewy.
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Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass for that perfect cookie shape.
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Decorate each cookie with red and green sprinkles, pressing them lightly into the dough so they stick well, adding that festive touch!
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t become too firm.
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Cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This allows the cookies to finish setting without becoming too hard.
Optional: Serve warm for an irresistible treat straight from the oven!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Best Soft Christmas Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for spontaneous holiday snacking.
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Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it easy to pull out treats any time.
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Thawing: To enjoy your frozen best soft Christmas cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds until just warm. This revives their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps restore that just-baked goodness!
Best Soft Christmas Cookies Variations
Customize this delightful recipe to make it truly your own and explore myriad flavors and textures!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without the gluten.
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based margarine or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free twist that still satisfies the taste buds.
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Chocolate Mint: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips and a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing, chocolaty delight perfect for the holidays.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a deliciously crunchy texture that adds depth to the softness.
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Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten the flavor, creating a refreshing holiday scent that fills your kitchen.
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Caramel Delight: Mix in ½ cup of soft caramel bits into the dough before baking for a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite.
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Spiced Variation: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist that brings cozy holiday flavors to life.
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Sprinkle Mix: Instead of traditional red and green sprinkles, use colorful holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun, festive presentation that brings joy to every platter.
Make Ahead Options
These best soft Christmas cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. For even longer storage, you can freeze the rolled dough balls for up to three months; just place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, festive cookies at a moment’s notice, making your holiday gatherings even sweeter!
Expert Tips for Best Soft Christmas Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your margarine or butter is softened at room temperature. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for your dough.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour to the creamed mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies rather than the desired softness.
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Evenly Sized Balls: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out your dough balls. This ensures they bake evenly and look appealing on your platter.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be set on the edges but soft in the center; this is key for soft Christmas cookies.
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Let Them Cool Properly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and maintains their soft texture.
What to Serve with Best Soft Christmas Cookies?
Creating a delightful holiday spread can elevate your cookie experience to new heights, making every gathering feel extra special.
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Milk: This classic pairing brings out the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies. A chilled glass of milk is always a comforting companion.
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Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy flavors of hot chocolate create a cozy vibe to enjoy with your cookies. It’s a match made in holiday heaven!
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, and the aromatic notes enhance your holiday mood.
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Cheese Platter: Consider a soft cheese alongside some crackers and maybe a sweet fruit chutney. The creamy and tangy notes create a delightful balance to the sugary cookies.
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Fruit Salad: Add some freshness with a colorful fruit salad. The natural sweetness and tartness of seasonal fruits can cut through the cookie’s richness.
Christmas cookies are not just for dessert. Set up a festive cookie platter alongside these treats, and watch them disappear!
Best Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients for the best soft Christmas cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, ensure your margarine or butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming, which helps create that tender texture. For the eggs, choose large ones and ensure they are fresh, as they provide moisture and bind the ingredients well. Don’t forget to check your baking powder; it should be fresh for the best rise.
How should I store the best soft Christmas cookies once baked?
You’ll want to store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them wonderfully soft and ready for snacking. If you have any leftover cookies, I suggest wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a container—this way, they will maintain their freshness!
Can I freeze the best soft Christmas cookies, and how do I do it?
Yes, definitely! To freeze your best soft Christmas cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that soft texture.
What should I do if my cookies come out too hard or dry?
If your cookies end up too hard, it may be due to overmixing the dough, which can cause toughness. I recommend mixing until just combined after adding the flour. If they are still too dry, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurately hitting 350°F (175°C). You can also add a little extra moisture in the form of milk or replace some white sugar with brown sugar for a chewier texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Absolutely! For a vegan option, you can replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). Additionally, for a gluten-free twist, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Both variations will retain the delightful flavor and texture of your soft Christmas cookies!
Are there any allergy considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, it’s always wise to check for potential allergens. The recipe includes eggs and margarine, which could be a concern for those with egg or dairy allergies. Consider using flax eggs and a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to create a safe alternative. Always check packaging for allergens if gifting or serving to others!
Best Soft Christmas Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the softened margarine and white sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the creamed mixture gradually, stirring gently until just combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Decorate each cookie with red and green sprinkles, pressing them lightly into the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.