Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate festive treat that’s both soft and downright delightful, you’re in luck! This Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need for cozy holiday baking. Picture buttery, tender cookies that melt in your mouth, all dressed up with festive frosting and colorful sprinkles. I absolutely love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between soft texture and classic sugar cookie flavor—plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail these soft, festive favorites.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s chat about what makes these cookies so tender and flavorful. Using cake flour is my little secret for irresistibly soft cookies because it’s lower in protein than all-purpose flour. The combo of butter and vegetable shortening ensures both rich flavor and perfect softness, while sour cream adds a subtle tang and moisture that you’ll appreciate.

• Cake Flour: Look for cake flour to get that soft crumb – it’s key for these tender cookies.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both work together to provide gentle lift without making the cookies cakey.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out the flavors.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness with a slight crunch helps create that classic sugar cookie bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Always room temperature for easy creaming and rich taste.
• Vegetable Shortening: Helps keep cookies soft longer—trust me on this one!
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a hint of tang that lifts the flavor.
• Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Double extracts give depth—almond is subtle but delicious.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Frosting Ingredients: Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and festive food colorings make the perfect finishing touch.

Variations

I love how flexible this Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe is. You can easily customize flavors or decorations to make it your own special creation. Don’t be shy about experimenting—there’s flexibility built right in!

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped to a gluten-free all-purpose blend once and was surprised how well the texture held up!
• Spiced Cookies: Adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg gave a warm holiday twist my family adored last year.
• Frosting Flavors: Try peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a cool, minty vibe perfect for Christmas.
• Decorations: Use crushed candy canes as sprinkles for a festive crunch and extra holiday cheer.

How to Make Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This slightly lower temperature helps keep the cookies from browning too fast, which is crucial for maintaining that soft texture. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside so everything’s ready to roll when your dough is mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution so your cookies rise consistently and have just the right crumb.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Fats

Using your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the granulated sugar, room temperature butter, vegetable shortening, and sour cream together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, light, and fluffy base—this step really sets the tone for soft cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, mix in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts until everything is fully combined. These flavors add that cozy, festive feel I always look forward to in holiday baking.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low for about a minute until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want to keep the dough tender and avoid tough cookies.

Step 6: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

Scoop the dough with a medium cookie scoop and roll each ball smooth between your hands. Arrange the balls on the baking sheets with about 2 inches of space, then gently press each ball down with the bottom of a cup. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, watching closely – the tops should be set and pale yellow. Don’t overbake; these cookies taste heavenly when just barely done.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting. For the frosting, beat softened butter with vanilla until smooth, then add powdered sugar a cup at a time. Thin it with heavy cream until it spreads easily but still holds shape. Divide into bowls and tint with red and green food coloring, leaving some white. Frost, sprinkle with festive toppings, and enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping these with classic red and green sprinkles because they instantly scream holiday spirit. For extra fun, crushed candy canes add crunch and peppermint flavor, which the whole family adores. If you want to get fancy, edible glitter or pearlized sugars bring that magical sparkle to your cookie platter.

Side Dishes

For a cozy holiday spread, pair these soft sugar cookies with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or a cup of rich eggnog. I’ve also served them alongside cinnamon-spiced coffee or peppermint tea—both are crowd-pleasers and really complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these cookies in a wreath shape on a large platter and added fresh cranberries and pine sprigs for a stunning centerpiece. You can also stack frosted cookies in rustic gift boxes wrapped with twine as thoughtful homemade gifts. Another fun idea: use cookie cutters to shape smaller batches into stars or trees, then frost and decorate for a themed holiday party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep beautifully soft when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. I place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture—it’s a simple trick I discovered years ago that really works! Just keep them away from heat or humidity to avoid drying out.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, the dough freezes wonderfully. I like to portion the dough balls, freeze them on a tray, and then store them in a sealed bag. When you’re ready, just bake from frozen—add a minute or two to the bake time and voila, fresh cookies anytime!

Reheating

Leftover cookies can be warmed gently in a low oven (275°F) for 5 minutes to bring back that soft, fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving for too long—it can dry them out faster than you’d expect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a holiday staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll find a special place in yours too. They’re the kind of cookies that bring smiles, get kids excited about baking, and fill your home with warm festive aromas. Whether you’re making a big batch for a party or just treating yourself with some Christmas cheer, these soft sugar cookies deliver on all fronts. So, roll up your sleeves and give them a try—you’ll be thanking yourself all season long!

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