As winter settles in and the scent of pine fills the air, my thoughts turn to holiday baking and time-honored traditions. There’s a comforting warmth in the kitchen that I can’t overlook, especially when it comes to making Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth! Each year, I find myself whipping up a batch or two, perfectly sweet and delicately textured, just waiting to be adorned with colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of icing.

Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth!

The beauty of these cookies lies not just in their taste but in the memories we create around them—friends and family gathered, laughter filling the air like the aroma of vanilla wafting from the oven. On a chilly afternoon, rolling out the dough and cutting out festive shapes feels like an art form, inviting creativity and joy into every bite.

Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or enjoying them with your favorite hot beverage, these cookies are designed to become a festive favorite. So, let’s dive into the delightful art of cookie-making and transform your kitchen into a holiday haven!

Why You'll Love This Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

These Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.
The melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfectly balanced sweetness create a delightful treat that everyone will rave about.
With endless possibilities for festive decorations, you can unleash your creativity and make each cookie uniquely yours.
These cookies are a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with winter beverages, making them perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to whip up these delightful cookies!

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – 3 3/4 cups – Essential for the perfect texture, helping the cookies maintain their shape.
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon – This gives the cookies a light, fluffy rise.
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Granulated sugar – 1 1/2 cups – The star of the show, adding sweetness to these soft Christmas sugar cookies.
Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened – Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb; be sure it’s at room temperature.
Large eggs – 2 – Bind the ingredients together, adding moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons – Infuses the cookies with a warm aroma, making them all the more inviting.

Optional Toppings

Colored sugar – For sprinkling – Adds a festive touch before baking for an extra sparkle.
Frosting – For decorating – Once cooled, a simple glaze or creamy frosting can take these cookies to the next level!

How to Make Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well-mixed and helps create a lighter cookie texture. Set aside for later use.
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes; the mixture should be light and fluffy at this stage.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to beat well after each addition, allowing the ingredients to blend seamlessly together for that rich flavor.
Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture. Stir gently until just combined to form a soft dough. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough will come together beautifully without any lumps.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This crucial step allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out later and ensuring the cookies maintain their shape.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) while the dough chills. Lightly grease two cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to shape your cookies, transferring them carefully to the prepared cookie sheets. Don’t forget to gather and reroll any scraps!
Bake the cookies in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow them to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely; this helps them stay soft.
Decorate your cooled cookies if desired. Optionally, sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking or apply frosting after they’ve cooled completely. Enjoy them fresh or share with loved ones!

Optional: Add a sprinkle of vanilla sea salt for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, these cookies can last in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating: To enjoy these Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth once more, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

What to Serve with Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies?

Baking these delightful cookies creates a warm atmosphere, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.

Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa enhances the sweetness of the cookies, adding a warm, comforting touch to your holiday experience. Imagine curling up with a soft cookie, indulging in every luscious bite.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider perfectly complement the vanilla notes of the cookies, creating a fragrant pairing that captures the essence of the season.
Milk: Classic and simple, a tall glass of cold milk is an unbeatable companion for soft, sweet cookies, providing that nostalgic comfort we all love.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon treat. It’s an impressive way to elevate your cookie experience during gatherings.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Lush and tangy, cream cheese frosting drizzled on top of your cookies adds a velvety texture that takes each bite to a new level of indulgence.
Decorated Gingerbread: For a festive twist, pair these sugar cookies with gingerbread men. The spiced, bold flavors contrast beautifully with the sweetness, making for a perfect holiday platter.
Chewy Brownies: Rich, gooey brownies offer a different texture and heavenly chocolate flavor to your dessert table, creating a delightful balance of sweet treats at your holiday gathering.
Ginger Tea: A soothing cup of ginger tea refreshes the palate, enhancing the sweetness of your cookies while adding a calming warmth, ideal for cozy conversations.
Snowball Cookies: A variety of cookies brings color and fun to your dessert spread. These nutty, powdered-sugar-dusted treats are a festive delight alongside your soft sugar cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth! are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the cookies maintain their ideal texture. For added convenience, you can even roll and cut the cookies into shapes and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen cookies directly on the prepared sheets and increase the baking time by a couple of minutes for delicious, fresh cookies with minimal effort!

Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these cookies with delightful variations that can enhance flavors and add a personal touch!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for the same soft texture without gluten.
Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to create a plant-based delight.
Citrus Zest Boost: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing twist that brightens each bite.
Almond Flavor: Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract to introduce a nutty and sweet flavor profile that pairs beautifully with sugar.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for sweet pockets of chocolate that melt and delight with every cookie.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add texture and a rich aroma that complements the sweetness.
Spiced Sugar: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the flour mixture for an aromatic warmth that enhances the classic sugar cookie experience.
Caramel Drizzle: After baking, dribble warm caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for a decadent touch that elevates each treat to dessert perfection.

Whichever variations you choose, let your creativity shine, and watch as these cookies bring even more joy to your holiday celebrations!

Chef's Helpful Tips

When making Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies, always ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, which will give your cookies a light texture.
One common mistake is overmixing the dough, so stir until just combined to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Lastly, keep an eye on them while baking; the cookies should be removed from the oven when the edges are golden brown for the best flavor and softness.

Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my butter is softened properly?
Absolutely! Your butter should be at room temperature, which means it should feel soft to the touch without being melted. To check, press your finger lightly into a stick; it should leave an imprint without any greasy residue. This way, it will cream smoothly with the sugar!

What’s the best way to store my Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, they can stay in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure the container is tightly sealed to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze the cookies? If so, how?
Very! To freeze your Soft Christmas Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be kept for up to 3 months!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
If you find your dough a bit too sticky after chilling, don’t worry! Lightly flour your work surface and hands to help manage it. You can also sprinkle a bit of flour on the dough itself, but be cautious—adding too much flour can alter the cookie’s texture.

Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! These cookies contain gluten from all-purpose flour and dairy from butter. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, reassure them that this recipe is nut-free. For a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend and check the ingredients for cross-contamination if necessary.

How can I decorate these cookies for the holidays?
Absolutely! After cooling, you can sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking for a fun festive flair or drizzle with your favorite frosting once cooled completely. Another lovely touch is adding decorative edible glitter or festive sprinkles for that perfect holiday sparkle!