Best Soft Christmas Cookies – Buttery, Festive & Melt-in-Your-Mouth 🎄

First things first—thank you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy holiday season to be here. It means the world to me that we can share a little kitchen joy together, especially when it comes to baking the cookies that everyone will be talking about!

These are my Best Soft Christmas Cookies, and I don’t say that lightly. They’re everything you want in a holiday cookie: soft, fluffy, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, and somehow—like Christmas magic—they taste even better the next day. Perfect for decorating, gifting, or sneaking with a mug of cocoa by the tree.

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🎁 What Makes These Christmas Cookies the Best?

They’re soft and tender with just a hint of almond and vanilla, making them buttery but not overly rich. A touch of cream cheese in the dough gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and chilling the dough makes them dreamy to roll and cut. Whether you frost them with royal icing or sprinkle with colored sugar, these cookies hold their shape while still being pillowy-soft inside.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

❄️ Perfectly soft and thick – no crunchy edges here!
🎨 Great for decorating – they hold their shape when baked.
🧈 Rich but not heavy – a beautiful balance of butter and cream cheese.
🍪 Make-ahead friendly – flavor deepens by the next day.
🎄 Classic holiday flavor – a cozy blend of vanilla and almond extract.

What Do They Taste Like?

These cookies have the classic sugar cookie flavor, but with an elevated richness from the butter and cream cheese. They’re sweet, lightly scented with vanilla and almond, and have the kind of texture you dream about—tender, slightly chewy, and oh-so-soft. Not crumbly. Not dry. Just perfection.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cookies:

¾ cup salted butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1⅓ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 cups all-purpose flour

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Whisk
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Wire cooling rack
Plastic wrap for chilling

🔁 Ingredient Swaps & Additions

No almond extract? Use all vanilla extract instead (or try lemon extract for a citrusy twist).
Gluten-free option? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Want to add a little sparkle? Roll in sanding sugar before baking for a lightly crunchy top.
Add-ins? Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles mixed into the dough are fun for kids!

👩‍🍳 How to Make the Best Soft Christmas Cookies

1. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar for about 2–3 minutes, until it’s light and fluffy.

2. Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until fully combined.

3. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two balls, flatten slightly, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).

6. Roll and Cut

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll one dough ball at a time on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick.
Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut shapes.

7. Bake

Place the cut-outs on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 1–2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–12 minutes, just until the tops look set and the edges are pale (not browned!).

8. Cool

Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🎨 Decorating Ideas

Classic royal icing with piped details
Simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + food coloring)
Sprinkles and sanding sugar before baking
Buttercream frosting for softer, sweeter bites
A dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish

💡 Tips for the Softest Cookies

Don’t overmix once you add the flour—just until combined!
Chill the dough—this helps prevent spreading and keeps them soft.
Use a light hand with flour when rolling out to keep them tender.
Don’t overbake—pull them out when the centers still look a little soft.
If decorating later, store plain cookies in an airtight container until ready.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Unfrosted cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
Frosted cookies should be stored in the fridge if using cream cheese or buttercream frosting.
Freeze dough (wrapped well) for up to 3 months—just thaw in fridge before rolling.
Freeze baked cookies (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing!

❓ FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! It doubles beautifully if you’re baking for a crowd.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, but it adds that nostalgic “holiday bakery” flavor. If skipping, increase vanilla slightly.

Why cream cheese?

It gives these cookies that ultra-soft, slightly tangy richness. Total game-changer.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes—this prevents spreading and makes the dough easier to roll and cut.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Holiday Cookie

There’s something so comforting about pulling a tray of these soft, sweet Christmas cookies out of the oven. Whether you’re baking with little ones, gifting a homemade treat, or just setting out a plate for Santa (you know he’ll love them!), these cookies bring warmth, joy, and a touch of magic to the season.

And like all the best recipes, they’re even better the next day. Make a batch, make memories, and maybe—just maybe—make a new holiday tradition. ❄️🎄

💬 Have you tried this recipe? Leave a review below or share your photos on Pinterest—I’d LOVE to see your cookie creations!

🍪 More Holiday Baking You’ll Love:

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Cookie – Approx. 24 cookies)

Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 22g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g