Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, buttery treat that instantly brings the holidays to your kitchen, then this Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out every single time—soft, tender, and just the right amount of festive sparkle with red and green sanding sugar. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a holiday tradition you look forward to baking year after year.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve kept the ingredients straightforward with a blend of butter and cream cheese that makes these cookies incredibly tender. Plus, the mix of vanilla and almond extracts gives just the right holiday flair without being overpowering.

• Salted Butter: Softened, it gives richness and moisture—you’ll want it just soft enough to cream easily without melting.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a subtle tang and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps with that perfect cookie chew.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture; be sure to use large for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer that balances the almond extract.
• Almond Extract: Just a touch brings a festive twist without overwhelming.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base—sift if you want an extra light dough.
• Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for softness and a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps these cookies spread just enough so they’re not cakey.
• Salt: To balance sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Red & Green Sanding Sugar: For festive crunch and color, because presentation matters!

Variations

One of the things I love about this Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to swap extracts or add some mix-ins, these cookies handle tweaks beautifully.

• Add-ins: I sometimes fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor—my family loves the surprise bits.
• Extract Swaps: If you’re not a fan of almond, try orange or peppermint extract for a fun holiday vibe.
• Gluten-Free Twist: I’ve successfully used a gluten-free flour blend with a bit more cornstarch to keep the softness.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter for vegan butter and eggs for flax eggs—though the texture will change slightly, it’s still delicious!

How to Make Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe

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

This is where the magic starts! Grab your hand mixer and beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 4 to 5 minutes. I discovered this trick when I realized a longer beating time means lighter cookies that practically melt in your mouth. Be sure the butter and cream cheese are soft but not greasy—that’s the sweet spot.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients Gently

Next, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl’s sides so everything’s evenly mixed. Add your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, then switch your mixer to low speed. Mixing slowly helps avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. Stop as soon as the dough comes together into a soft ball.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step is essential—trust me, the chill time firms up the dough for easier shaping and helps the flavors to meld. I’ve found that skipping this makes for cookies that spread too much in the oven.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet

When your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This is a small step that makes a huge difference, especially when you’re baking multiple batches.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the dough into balls about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Then, press each ball gently with a fork to create a crisscross pattern—that classic look we all love. Finally, sprinkle generously with red and green sanding sugar for that festive sparkle. My kids always insist on helping with this part!

Step 6: Bake Carefully

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes at 350°F. The key here is not to overbake—these cookies shouldn’t brown at the edges. You want them looking just a bit undercooked when you take them out because they’ll firm up as they cool. I used to struggle with overbaking, but I learned to watch the clock and use a toothpick test for best results.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep them soft and prevents breaking. Trust me, the smell alone will make you want to dive right in, but patience pays off!

How to Serve Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the red and green sanding sugar for garnish — it’s festive, crunchy, and adds a pretty sparkle. Sometimes, I swirl a little white or dark chocolate drizzle on top for extra flair, which always gets compliments.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa with marshmallows or a spiced eggnog. If you’re serving a party, I like to set up a hot chocolate bar alongside — the cookies are perfect for dunking!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies on a tiered tray interspersed with fresh pine branches and cranberries. It makes for a charming centerpiece that’s almost too pretty to eat — but not quite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep these cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually last 5 to 7 days without losing their softness. When I want to keep them even longer, I separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Freezing baked cookies works great with this recipe. I store them in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just thaw at room temperature — they taste almost like freshly baked!

Reheating

If you like your cookies warm and soft, I pop them in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. It’s just enough to revive that freshly baked feeling without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe holds a special place on my holiday baking list because it’s reliably delicious and easy enough to become a stress-free part of my seasonal rituals. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone into the kitchen, from kids helping decorate to friends sneaking bites when they think I’m not looking. So go ahead—give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll end up with cookies that taste like holiday magic on a plate.

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