These Soft Christmas Cookies are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for holiday baking! With a simple dough that yields soft, sweet cookies, they’re ideal for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or just enjoying as is.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Mix in the dry ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or overnight for best results.
Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Cut the dough: Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into festive shapes.
Place on baking sheets: Arrange the cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake: Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating or serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Decorating: Decorate with colorful sprinkles, royal icing, or sugar crystals for a festive touch.
Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts to customize the flavor.
Flavored Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, the dough can be frozen. Shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but the texture may differ slightly.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer to mix the dough. Use the paddle attachment for best results.
What can I use to decorate the cookies?
Use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or edible glitter to decorate. You can also dip them in melted chocolate.
How thick should I roll the dough?
Roll the dough between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for soft, chewy cookies. Thicker dough may need extra baking time.
Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.
Can I make the cookies larger or smaller?
Yes, adjust the baking time slightly based on the size of the cookies. Larger cookies will take a few minutes longer.
What other cookie cutters can I use?
Use any shape you like! Stars, hearts, trees, or snowflakes are great for Christmas cookies, but you can get creative with other shapes.

Conclusion

Soft Christmas Cookies are an easy, classic treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. With a simple dough that’s delicious on its own or ready for decorating, these cookies are sure to bring festive cheer to your celebrations! Enjoy baking and sharing these festive delights!