Soft Christmas Cookies

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air, which makes the cookies soft and pillowy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture, while vanilla gives that classic holiday aroma.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make cookies tough, so stop when there are no visible streaks of flour.

6. Add Festive Extras

Fold in any optional additions like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint candy. This is where you can get creative with holiday colors and flavors.

7. Scoop and Shape

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. For extra softness, slightly flatten each cookie with your hand or the back of a spoon.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft. Remember, cookies continue to cook slightly as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking while still warm. Once cooled, enjoy them as is or decorate with icing for a festive touch.

Tips for the Softest Cookies

• Don’t overbake: The key to soft cookies is slightly undercooked centers.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a tender texture.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain softness for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

Soft Christmas Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a holiday tradition that brings joy to everyone around. The balance of buttery richness, gentle sweetness, and tender chew makes them irresistible. Perfect for cookie exchanges, festive platters, or late-night holiday snacking, this recipe is a go-to for creating magical memories one bite at a time.

If you want, I can also write a mini version with a printable recipe card style, perfect for holiday sharing or gifting.

Do you want me to do that?