If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s tender, flavorful, and absolutely festive, this Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is here to make your holiday gatherings shine. These cookies strike the perfect balance of soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right amount of sweetness and holiday cheer sprinkled on top. Whether you’re baking with family or gifting to friends, these sugar cookies bring warmth and joy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these wonderful cookies lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a tender, soft texture and a beautifully balanced flavor that perfectly defines the holiday spirit.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups / 360g): The foundation that gives structure to our cookie dough with just the right bite.
- Cornstarch (½ tsp): Helps to keep the cookies incredibly soft by tenderizing the dough.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a gentle rise for lightness.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g), room temperature: Adds richness and moisture for that luscious mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups / 297g): Sweetness with a slight crunch that complements the soft interior.
- Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients together while providing structure without toughening.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- Almond extract (â…› tsp): A subtle twist that adds a lovely nutty aroma.
- Red and green sanding sugar: The festive finishing touch that makes these cookies pop visually.
How to Make Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). While it warms up, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This step ensures everything is evenly combined and ready to blend smoothly into your wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise and stay soft. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl to get every bit of buttery goodness mixed in.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat these together until your mixture is smooth and well combined. These ingredients are the heartbeat of your cookies’ flavor, giving them their signature festive notes.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, mixing carefully just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—this helps retain the tenderness you want in your cookies.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Then gently roll each in red and green sanding sugar for that festive sparkle. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers still look soft. This timing is crucial to ensure the cookies stay delightfully soft after cooling. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the colorful sanding sugar already adds charm, you can elevate your cookies by piping delicate royal icing designs or sprinkling on edible glitter for extra sparkle. Crushed peppermint candies are a festive way to add crunch and a holiday aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside cups of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a creamy eggnog for the perfect cozy pairing. They also make a delightful companion to a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta for a sweet-savory snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed platter or stack them with wax paper between layers in a festive tin for gifting. For a whimsical touch, turn the cookies into cookie sandwiches with a layer of peppermint or vanilla buttercream filling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your deliciously soft Christmas sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze the raw dough balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop and roll them into balls, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies, gently reheat them in a warm oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their softness and fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different extract instead of almond?
Absolutely! While almond extract adds a lovely subtle nuttiness, you can substitute it with an equal amount of almond-free extract like lemon or orange to keep the flavor festive and unique.
Why do the cookies stay soft rather than crispy?
The combination of cornstarch and the right amount of butter keeps these cookies soft and tender rather than crunchy, making them perfect for holiday cookie trays where softness is prized.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can maintain a similar soft texture and delicious flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not overly soft or melted. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help the cookies hold their shape better.
Can I add mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips?
Of course! Adding festive sprinkles inside the dough or a few chocolate chips can add extra fun and flavor, but remember to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the joy of biting into a Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh from the oven. The warmth, softness, and festive sparkle make them a beloved holiday tradition. I encourage you to try baking these soon—you’ll be loved for sharing this cozy, sweet holiday delight with all around you.
Print
Deliciously Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 14 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These deliciously soft Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They feature a tender texture, a subtle almond hint, and festive red and green sanding sugar for a cheerful finish. Easy to make and bake, they yield lightly crisp edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (297g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- â…› tsp almond extract
Topping
- Red and green sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to ensure thorough distribution of leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies and Add Sugar Topping: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough evenly. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll it in red and green sanding sugar to coat the exterior. Arrange them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Rolling the dough balls in sanding sugar before baking adds a festive sparkle and slight crunch.
- Do not overbake to maintain the soft texture; cookies should look set but still soft when removed from oven.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
