Classic, Soft, and Perfect for the Holidays
There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays. The aroma of butter and vanilla wafting through the house, the joyful chatter of loved ones decorating cookies, and the comfort of time-honored traditions. This Christmas Cookie Recipe is the quintessential treat for the holiday season—a recipe passed down through kitchens and hearts, made with simple ingredients and love. These cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for frosting and decorating. Whether for a cookie exchange, family gathering, or a festive dessert table, they’re sure to impress.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need: a detailed step-by-step method, tips for success, storage advice, and creative decorating ideas. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies a must-bake for your holiday celebrations.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is simple, reliable, and versatile, delivering buttery cookies with a soft texture and just the right hint of sweetness. The secret? Cream of tartar, which keeps the cookies tender, and refrigeration of the dough, which makes for better rolling and shaping. These cookies bake evenly and hold their shape well, making them ideal for both novice bakers and cookie artists alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this classic Christmas cookie recipe shine:
For the Cookies
1 cup butter (no substitutions): Butter is the star of these cookies. Its rich flavor and fat content create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid margarine or substitutes to achieve the best results.
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar (also called powdered sugar) creates a smooth, fine-textured cookie without the graininess of granulated sugar.
1 egg: Adds moisture, richness, and structure to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a hint of sweetness. You can substitute almond extract for a slightly nutty twist.
2 1/2 cups flour: All-purpose flour provides structure and the right amount of “bite” to these cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a light texture.
1 teaspoon cream of tartar: A key ingredient that makes the cookies tender and prevents them from becoming hard or tough.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
How to Make Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming 1 cup butter and 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process is key to achieving cookies that are tender and soft.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The egg adds moisture, while the vanilla enhances the flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. The dough will be soft but should hold together.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight. Chilling is essential for two reasons:
It firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.
It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to achieve:
1/4 inch thickness for soft, chewy cookies.
1/8 inch thickness for thin, crisp cookies.
Cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters. Classic holiday shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes are always a hit. Gather any leftover dough scraps, reroll them, and cut more cookies.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cut-out cookies on a non-stick baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching closely as the edges should only turn a light golden brown. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost the cookies with confectioners’ sugar frosting or any icing of your choice. Add festive sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible decorations to make them pop.
Frosting Ideas
While these cookies are delicious on their own, frosting makes them truly festive. Here’s an easy confectioners’ sugar frosting recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for variety)
Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or sugar (for a thicker icing).
Divide the frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring if desired.
Spread over the cooled cookies or pipe for more detailed designs.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is critical to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shapes.
Light Touch Rolling: Use just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking but avoid over-flouring, as it can dry out the cookies.
Even Thickness: Use a guide, like rolling pin rings, to ensure cookies bake evenly.
Watch the Oven: Every oven is slightly different. Keep an eye on the cookies, as they can brown quickly.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen, unfrosted, for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for:
Holiday gatherings or Christmas parties
Cookie exchanges with friends
Festive gifts—package them in decorative tins or treat bags
Enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Customize the cookies with different shapes, frostings, and decorations.
Delicious: Buttery, soft, and slightly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fun and Festive: A perfect activity for families to bake and decorate together.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be chilled overnight or frozen for future baking.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are simple to make and incredibly rewarding to share. With their soft, buttery flavor and endless decorating options, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday traditions.
So, grab your favorite cookie cutters, gather your loved ones, and create sweet memories one cookie at a time. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and share the joy of homemade holiday baking!
Happy baking! 🎄