Soft & Festive Xmas Cookies – The Perfect Holiday Treat
Nothing says Christmas like a warm batch of freshly baked xmas cookies filling your home with the smell of butter, vanilla, and spice. These classic holiday cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for decorating with colorful icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate.
Whether you’re baking for Santa, hosting a holiday party, or gifting homemade treats, this foolproof xmas cookies recipe is simple, fun, and absolutely delicious. Even beginners can make bakery-style cookies with this step-by-step guide!
Ingredients (Makes 24 cookies)
Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Decorations:
- 1 cup royal icing or buttercream
- Red & green sprinkles
- Melted white or dark chocolate
Step by Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2 – Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 3 – Add Egg & Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4 – Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined (do not overmix).
Step 5 – Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (this prevents spreading).
Step 6 – Roll & Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into Christmas shapes (stars, trees, snowmen).
Step 7 – Bake
Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8 – Cool & Decorate
Let cookies cool completely before icing or decorating.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: ~ 1 hour
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (24 cookies total)
Tips & Variations
- For softer cookies: Bake 1 minute less.
- For crisp cookies: Roll thinner and bake 1 minute longer.
- Chocolate xmas cookies: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
- Spiced version: Add ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg.
- No cookie cutters? Roll into balls and flatten with a glass.
Nutrition Info (Per Cookie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
(Values may vary based on icing and toppings.)
Healthy Alternatives
Low-Sugar
- Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Dairy-Free
- Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Keto-Friendly
- Replace flour with almond flour and use sugar substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these xmas cookies with hot chocolate, eggnog, or warm milk by the fireplace. They also make beautiful homemade gifts when packed in festive tins or clear bags with ribbons.
These cookies are more than just dessert—they’re part of holiday memories, family traditions, and Christmas magic. Bake, decorate, and enjoy the sweetest time of the year!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too warm—always chill the dough.
3. How do I store xmas cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
5. What icing is best for decorating?
Royal icing works best for detailed designs; buttercream is softer and creamier.
