Festive Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to add a little extra sparkle to your holiday season, then you absolutely have to try this Festive Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe. I first stumbled upon this recipe a few years back when I wanted something both classic and fun to bake with my kids, and it quickly became our go-to because it hits all the right notes — soft, buttery cookies topped with the prettiest frostings that really bring out the Christmas cheer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find that these cookies are super forgiving and oh-so-delicious. Stick with me, because I’m sharing all the tips and tricks to help you bake these festive treats perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully for that classic Christmas cookie flavor with a little twist — the instant pudding mix is my secret weapon for soft, tender cookies. Plus, you only need a few basics to get started, which is great for busy holiday baking.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps you cream the cookie dough to the perfect fluffy consistency.
• Shortening: Adds tenderness and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Granulated Sugar: For that classic sweet cookie base.
• Eggs: Bring moisture and structure; make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the entire cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure — sifted to avoid lumps and ensure light texture.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This magic ingredient keeps cookies incredibly soft and adds a subtle vanilla boost.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for the perfect tenderness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• Confectioners Sugar: Essential for smooth, creamy frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and silky texture to your frosting.
• Gel Food Coloring (optional): To make your frosting colorful and festive — just a few drops go a long way!
• Sprinkles (optional): A final festive touch that always cheers up the presentation and taste.

Variations

I love that you can make this Festive Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe your own with just a few simple swaps or additions. Whether you want to change up flavors or keep them allergy-friendly, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

• Chocolate Peppermint Twist: I once added crushed peppermint candies into the frosting and it was a hit at our holiday party, giving the cookies a cool minty punch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend — just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and you’ll still get that same soft, chewy texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: You can swap butter for vegan margarine and use flax eggs instead of real eggs, and trust me, it still tastes delightful.
• Natural Food Coloring: If you prefer not to use gels, I’ve experimented with beet juice and matcha powder to color the frosting — it’s a little less vibrant but all-natural and tasty.

How to Make Festive Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the Butter, Shortening & Sugar

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats — this makes cleanup so much easier, trust me! Then, grab your stand mixer or hand mixer and beat the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until they’re light and fluffy — about 5 minutes. This step is key because it aerates the dough, helping those cookies rise just right and have that tender crumb.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs, Vanilla, and Instant Pudding Mix

Once your butter mixture looks creamy, beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and instant vanilla pudding mix. I found that adding the pudding mix here keeps the cookies soft and adds a subtle extra vanilla note that’s so comforting during the holidays.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combo ensures even baking and balances sweetness. Add the dry ingredients gradually to your butter mixture, mixing between additions just until combined. Overmixing at this stage will make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle!

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough, then roll each portion into a ball. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets — they’ll spread out a bit but won’t flatten too much. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set and lightly golden around the edges. For me, 13 minutes hits the perfect chewy texture every time. Let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack — this helps them firm up just enough for frosting.

Step 5: Make That Dreamy Frosting

While your cookies cool completely, it’s frosting time. Beat the butter until fluffy (about 3 minutes), then gradually add the confectioners sugar and heavy cream, switching between the two to keep the mixture smooth and creamy. Add in vanilla extract and salt, then keep beating until everything feels silky. Divide your frosting into bowls and mix in gel food coloring if you’re feeling festive. I usually do classic red and green with a white batch — works every year!

Step 6: Decorate & Add Sprinkles

Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost them generously with a butter knife or piping bag. Immediately top them with festive sprinkles to add some extra sparkle. I love watching my kids get involved here — it’s a great way to make memories and personalize each cookie. Let the frosting set for about an hour before you store them away.

How to Serve Festive Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about that classic look — colorful sprinkles in red, green, white, and gold add instant festivity and crunch. Sometimes I’ll throw on sanding sugar or tiny edible pearls for a fancy touch when I’m feeling extra. Fresh mint leaves or even edible glitter are fun for photos but not always practical with kids around!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa, spiced cider, or even a glass of eggnog if you’re feeling traditional. They also go really well next to a cheese platter for your holiday guests — the sweetness balances creamy and savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting these, I love stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a sprig of rosemary for that homemade charm. For parties, arrange your cookies on tiered platters with fairy lights woven around — it makes your dessert table stand out and invites everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found the best way to store these is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Just remember to layer them with parchment or wax paper to protect the frosting. My family rarely sees leftovers last beyond this point — they’re just too good!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing is a lifesaver. Freeze the unbaked dough in tightly wrapped balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual — the cookies turn out just as soft and flavorful. You can also freeze baked cookies without frosting, then thaw and decorate fresh.

Reheating

To keep the softness, I usually warm leftover cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave before serving. Just be gentle — too long and the frosting can melt. This helps revive that fresh-baked feel almost magically.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe has truly become a holiday staple in my kitchen, not just because of how delicious the cookies turn out, but because of the wonderful memories that come with making and sharing them. I love how easy the process is and how flexible the recipe can be for any holiday occasion or crowd size. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and approachable, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try — your family and friends will thank you every bite of the way!

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