Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

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These soft Christmas cookies are pure holiday nostalgia. Tender and buttery with the slightest chew, they are the kind of cookie that dissolves on your tongue, leaving behind just enough sweetness to have you reaching for another. A hint of vanilla and almond brings a comforting warmth, while festive sprinkles or icing make them irresistible to the eye and the palate.

Whether you’re prepping holiday gift tins or looking for the perfect cookie to leave out for Santa, these cookies are a no-fail option. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them with hot cocoa or a glass of milk and let the holiday spirit unfold one bite at a time.

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What Kind of Frosting Works Best for These Cookies?

A classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the soft texture of these cookies. You can tint the frosting with food coloring for a festive look and top it off with colored sugar or holiday sprinkles. Royal icing also works if you’re going for more detailed decoration and a firmer finish.

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Ingredients for the Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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How To Make the Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Beat until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix just until the dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and improves texture.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set but not browned. Let them cool completely before decorating.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These cookies shine when served with a swipe of colorful buttercream or a drizzle of royal icing. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or crushed peppermint for that extra festive touch. Serve them at room temperature with a warm drink like hot chocolate, cider, or eggnog.

To store, place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to avoid sticking. They’ll stay soft for up to a week. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet also helps.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Baked cookies can be frozen before decorating.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or even plain yogurt for similar moisture and tang.

Can I use this dough for drop cookies?

This dough is best for rolling and cutting. For drop cookies, try a sugar cookie dough formulated for scooping.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt content precisely.

Can I double the batch?

Yes! This recipe scales beautifully, just make sure to chill your dough in batches if needed.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies got you hooked, wait till you try these:

• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a festive fruit-filled classic.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies that balance tart and sweet perfectly.
• Healthy Cookies Recipe for a guilt-free bite that still satisfies.
• 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies to make mornings extra cozy.
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for that unbeatable chocolate-peanut crunch.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this cookie recipe to your Pinterest dessert board for easy access all season long.

Have you baked these yet? Share your twist in the comments! Did you go with almond extract or leave it out? Did the kids cover them in sprinkles or keep it classy with icing?

I love seeing your holiday creations. And if you’re looking for more festive treats, check out my Pinterest board for daily seasonal ideas!

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