Name: Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick salted butter, softened (113 grams); 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (56 grams); 1½ cups sugar (300 grams); 2 large eggs; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour (312 grams); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; Red & Green sanding sugar, for decorating

There’s just something magical about soft, tender cookies dusted with red and green sanding sugar, isn’t there? This Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is my go-to whenever I want a festive treat that’s both fluffy and full of holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for family, a cookie exchange, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth during the season, these cookies have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

What I love most is how simple and forgiving this recipe is—no fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just classic, buttery goodness with a hint of cream cheese to keep things soft. Plus, the almond extract adds a subtle layer of warmth that makes these cookies stand out without stealing the show. Trust me, if you’re after a crowd-pleaser this Christmas, you’ll want to have this Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe in your holiday baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like a dream to create cookies that are soft and flavorful. I recommend using real butter and a good quality vanilla extract because they truly make a difference in taste. Also, be sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid any lumps in your dough.

Salted butter: Using salted butter adds a subtle savory balance, but if you only have unsalted, go ahead and add a pinch more salt.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for that extra moist and tender crumb—don’t skip or substitute with another cheese.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly here for sweetness and structure.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
Almond extract: Just a little bit adds a lovely nutty hint without overpowering the vanilla.
All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies their structure; make sure to measure properly for best results.
Cornstarch: This secret ingredient helps keep the cookies soft and tender by slowing gluten formation.
Baking soda: For gentle leavening and a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
Red & green sanding sugar: For decorating and that festive sparkle that screams Christmas!

Variations

I love that this Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is a great canvas for your creativity. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to match different moods and dietary needs without losing that soft, chewy magic. Feel free to make it your own!

Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum, and the cookies stayed super soft and delicious.
Chocolate chip twist: Adding mini chocolate chips is always a hit at our family gatherings—I like folding them in right before baking to keep the cookies soft.
Spiced version: When I want a cozier flavor, I add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg; it feels like a warm hug from the oven.
Vegan adaptation: Using vegan butter, a flax egg, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute worked well once, though they were slightly less tender—still tasty!

How to Make Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, add the sugar gradually, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps make your cookies soft and tender. If you skip this, the texture won’t be quite right.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract is subtle but really does add that holiday sparkle to the flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The cornstarch here is a magic ingredient that keeps these cookies soft and prevents them from turning cakey or tough. Whisking helps distribute the baking soda evenly, which leads to an even rise.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix here—that’s a common mistake that can make your cookies dense and tough instead of soft!

Step 5: Scoop and Decorate

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto a prepared cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm, then sprinkle generously with the red and green sanding sugar for that festive holiday look. I always find this step makes the whole kitchen feel merry!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, just until the edges start to set but the centers still look soft. This little trick ensures your cookies stay soft after cooling. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

The image shows nine containers of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white square dish holding a solid block of pale yellow butter in the top left, and to the right, a small white bowl with dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Below the butter, a white round bowl contains three brown eggs. Next to the eggs, a larger white round bowl is filled with white flour. On the bottom left, a white bowl holds shredded white cheese or coconut. Towards the bottom right, smaller white bowls contain white granulated sugar, white powder (possibly baking powder), red sprinkles mixed with white, and green sprinkles mixed with white, all arranged in a cluster. The arrangement is clean and simple, showing ingredients clearly for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a bit of sparkle, so I always go heavy on the red and green sanding sugar. It adds festive flair and a fun crunch. Sometimes, I dust a little powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of winter magic.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a classic eggnog latte. I’ve also served them alongside a cheese board for holiday parties—it’s an unexpected but delightful combo of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas gatherings, I like arranging these cookies on a tiered holiday platter surrounded by evergreen sprigs and cinnamon sticks. Another fun idea is wrapping stacks tied with red and white baker’s twine—makes a perfect gift and looks so charming on cookie exchange tables!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay soft for up to 4 days this way, though usually they disappear much faster at my house!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I like to freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I pop them straight into the oven for a couple of extra minutes. If baking cookies ahead, freeze fully baked cookies sealed tightly; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To freshen up leftover cookies, I warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds. This brings back that soft, just-baked feel, which is especially nice on day two or three.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe dairy-free?

You can! I’ve had success swapping the butter with a plant-based alternative and using dairy-free cream cheese. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies still stay soft and festive.
Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps keep cookies exceptionally soft by limiting gluten development when combined with flour. This creates that tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s signature to this recipe.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the dough and freeze it for later, or bake the cookies and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving for that fresh-baked softness.
What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

I recommend spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag—this prevents packing and ensures the right amount, so your cookies don’t turn out dry.
Can I use this recipe to make cookie cutters shapes?

This dough is quite soft and may spread too much for detailed cookie cutter shapes. If you want crisp edges, chill the dough before rolling or consider a sturdier sugar cookie recipe. Otherwise, these are best enjoyed as soft drop cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it hits that sweet spot of soft, buttery, and festive without any fuss. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in baking and sharing them as I do. Once you make this recipe, I bet it’ll become a new holiday tradition for you and your loved ones!