Christmas Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Every December, my kitchen transforms into a cookie wonderland, filled with the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and butter. These Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, and have that perfect balance of festive flair and homemade comfort. They come together with a simple dough that rolls out like a dream and bakes into golden little treats that are just waiting to be decorated.

Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just indulging in some cozy solo kitchen time, this recipe is a joyful go-to. You can cut them into snowflakes, stars, candy canes, or even go classic with simple round shapes. Frost them, glaze them, or leave them bare with a dusting of sugar — they’re delicious either way.

---

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, use unsalted butter that’s been softened to room temperature. Unsalted allows you to better control the salt levels in the dough, and soft butter blends more evenly with the sugar.

---

Ingredients for the Christmas Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: colored sanding sugar, icing, sprinkles for decorating

---

How To Make the Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides as needed until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps prevent spreading.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

---

How to Serve and Store Christmas Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served plain or jazzed up with royal icing, glaze, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. They make beautiful additions to cookie boxes or dessert platters and pair wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa or mulled cider.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months and decorate them fresh when ready to serve.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these cookies?

You can make and freeze the dough up to 2 months in advance, or bake and store the cookies up to 1 week ahead.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

What kind of decorations work best?

Royal icing gives a crisp, polished finish while buttercream adds richness. Sprinkles, colored sugar, and edible glitter also make great festive additions.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

This usually happens if the butter is too soft or if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure your dough is well-chilled before rolling and cutting.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for best results.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet bakes from my kitchen:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a decadent holiday dessert.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites if you love nutty, bite-sized treats.
• Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies when you need a quick cookie fix.
• Healthy Cookies Recipe for a lighter take on holiday baking.
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies when you crave cookies for breakfast.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your Christmas Cookies turned out. Did you go classic or creative with your decorations? Did you try any flavored icing or toppings?

I love seeing your festive spins on these! For even more seasonal treats, visit my Pinterest: Nina Dishes.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?