Description
These soft Christmas cookies are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat. With a buttery texture and just a hint of vanilla and almond, they make the perfect holiday bake. Ideal for decorating or enjoying plain, they’re the kind of cookie that disappears fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Add the egg, sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract if using. Mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
4. Mix until dough forms. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut into shapes.
6. Bake cookies on parchment-lined sheets for 8–10 minutes.
7. Let cookies cool fully before decorating.
Notes
Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading.
Don’t overbake—edges should be set but not golden.
Decorate only after cookies are completely cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday cookies, soft sugar cookies