12 Delicious Soft Christmas Cookies Recipes

Gather around, cookie lovers! The holiday season is the perfect time to whip up batches of soft, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies that spread joy and warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, our roundup of 12 delicious recipes promises to inspire your festive baking spree. From classic gingerbread to innovative peppermint twists, there’s a soft cookie here for every taste. Let’s dive into these sweet, seasonal favorites that are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!

Vanilla Bean Soft Christmas Cookies

Fancy a cookie that’s as soft as your favorite holiday sweater and just as comforting? These Vanilla Bean Soft Christmas Cookies are here to sweeten your season with their fluffy texture and rich, buttery flavor, all wrapped up in a festive package.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in 1 large egg and 2 tsp vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in 1/2 cup powdered sugar until heavily coated. Tip: For extra sparkle, roll them twice in the sugar.
7. Place the balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Tip: They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Mmm, these cookies are like biting into a cloud with a vanilla bean surprise. Serve them stacked high on a vintage plate or sneak a few into your holiday movie marathon for a sweet treat that’s sure to steal the scene.

Chocolate Chip Soft Christmas Cookies

Fancy a bite of holiday cheer any time of year? These Chocolate Chip Soft Christmas Cookies are your ticket to a merry little snack session, packed with gooey chocolate chips and a soft, chewy texture that’ll have you singing carols in July.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the perfect consistency.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until you no longer see flour streaks.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Tip: For extra chewy cookies, pull them out when they’re just barely set in the middle.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Kick back and enjoy these cookies warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, or get creative by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two for an impromptu holiday dessert. Either way, their rich chocolatey flavor and pillowy texture are sure to spread joy.

Peppermint Frosted Soft Christmas Cookies

Snowflakes aren’t the only thing melting hearts this season—our Peppermint Frosted Soft Christmas Cookies are here to steal the show with their irresistible charm and minty freshness. Perfect for Santa’s plate or your holiday party, these cookies are like a winter wonderland in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract until combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: They’ll continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Tip: Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
10. Spread frosting over cooled cookies and sprinkle with 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies.

These cookies are a festive symphony of soft, buttery texture and cool peppermint zing. Try stacking them with alternating colors of frosting for a stunning holiday tower that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Gingerbread Soft Christmas Cookies

Just when you thought gingerbread was only for houses, these soft Christmas cookies come along to steal the show. Packed with festive spices and a chewy center, they’re like a holiday hug in cookie form.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
3. In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in 1 large egg, then 1/2 cup molasses and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Tip: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft. Tip: Cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet, so pull them out when they look slightly underdone.
8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Absolutely irresistible, these cookies boast a soft, chewy texture with a deep molasses flavor. Serve them stacked high on a vintage plate for a picture-perfect holiday treat, or sneak a few with your morning coffee—we won’t tell.

Lemon Glazed Soft Christmas Cookies

Mmm, nothing says ‘holiday cheer’ quite like biting into a soft, lemony cookie that’s been glazed to perfection—unless you’re the Grinch, in which case, more for us! These Lemon Glazed Soft Christmas Cookies are the edible equivalent of a cozy holiday sweater: comforting, sweet, and slightly addictive.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Tip: Sifting the flour can prevent lumps for a smoother dough.
3. In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop when you no longer see flour streaks.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: The cookies will continue to cook on the sheet, so pull them out when they’re slightly underdone for that perfect soft texture.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Unbelievably soft with a zesty lemon punch, these cookies are like little clouds of holiday happiness. Serve them stacked high on a vintage plate for that extra festive touch, or sneak a few into your pocket for a merry little snack attack.

Almond Butter Soft Christmas Cookies

Ready to dive into a holiday classic with a nutty twist? These Almond Butter Soft Christmas Cookies are the chewy, dreamy treats that’ll have Santa skipping the milk for a glass of almond milk instead. Perfect for those who think peanut butter is so last season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup almond butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined. Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes for easier handling.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. Tip: For extra sparkle, roll them twice in powdered sugar.
4. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Tip: Flatten them slightly with a fork for a classic crisscross pattern.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft.
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Unbelievably soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a nutty delight. Serve them stacked high on a vintage plate for a festive touch, or sneak a few into your pocket for a sweet surprise later.

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Christmas Cookies

Unbelievably soft, irresistibly sweet, and sprinkled with holiday cheer, these cinnamon sugar cookies are the edible equivalent of a warm hug. Perfect for Santa’s plate or your cookie swap, they’re a festive twist on a classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups white sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
4. Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
6. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp white sugar with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon for the coating.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
8. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Tip: Flatten each slightly with the bottom of a glass for even baking.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a crispy sugar crust and warm cinnamon spice. Try stacking them with a dollop of whipped cream for an impromptu holiday dessert sandwich!

Red Velvet Soft Christmas Cookies

Craving something that screams holiday cheer but tastes like a hug from your favorite aunt? These Red Velvet Soft Christmas Cookies are here to deck your halls (and your taste buds) with their velvety charm and festive flair.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smoother cookie texture.
3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in 2 tbsp red food coloring and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Tip: Don’t overmix to keep the cookies tender.
7. Fold in 1 cup white chocolate chips.
8. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Tip: For perfectly round cookies, use a cookie cutter to shape them right after baking.
10. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Velvety soft with a hint of cocoa and a pop of white chocolate, these cookies are like little presents for your palate. Serve them stacked high on a vintage plate for a picture-perfect holiday treat, or sneak a few into your pocket for a merry little snack on the go.

White Chocolate Cranberry Soft Christmas Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the world of these heavenly White Chocolate Cranberry Soft Christmas Cookies that are bound to make your holiday season even sweeter. Perfect for those who believe that cookies are the real stars of Christmas, these treats are a delightful mix of creamy white chocolate and tart cranberries, wrapped in a soft, buttery dough that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
6. Fold in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Tip: For uniformly sized cookies, use a measuring tablespoon.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: The cookies will look soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Craving a bite yet? These cookies are a dreamy combination of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp edges, with bursts of sweet white chocolate and tangy cranberries in every bite. Serve them on a festive platter or package them in cute boxes as edible gifts that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Pumpkin Spice Soft Christmas Cookies

Venture into the cozy embrace of holiday baking with these Pumpkin Spice Soft Christmas Cookies, where every bite is like a warm hug from Santa himself—if Santa were a pumpkin spice aficionado, that is.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp salt. Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients can prevent lumps for a smoother dough.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed, until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: The cookies will look soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies boast a delightfully soft texture with a spicy-sweet flavor that’s unmistakably festive. Try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Maple Walnut Soft Christmas Cookies

Gather ’round, cookie lovers, because we’re about to dive into a batch of Maple Walnut Soft Christmas Cookies that’ll make your holiday season even merrier. These little rounds of joy are like a cozy sweater for your taste buds, blending the rich, autumnal flavors of maple and walnut into a soft, chewy delight that Santa himself would trade his milk and cookies for.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Tip: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the perfect consistency.
3. Beat in 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 large egg, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
6. Fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Tip: For even baking, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the cooking time.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kick back and savor the melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies, where the crunch of walnuts meets the sweet, buttery embrace of maple. Serve them stacked high on a vintage plate for a festive touch, or sneak a few into your pocket for a merry little snack on the go.

Orange Cardamom Soft Christmas Cookies

Just when you thought Christmas cookies couldn’t get any more magical, along comes these Orange Cardamom Soft Christmas Cookies to prove you wrong. Packed with zesty orange and warm cardamom, these cookies are like a holiday hug in edible form.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cardamom. Tip: Sifting the flour can make your cookies even lighter.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in 1 large egg, then mix in 1 tbsp orange zest, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Tip: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: For extra flavor, roll the dough balls in a little extra sugar before baking.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers should still be soft.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

With their soft, chewy texture and a flavor that sings of citrus and spice, these cookies are a festive treat that’s hard to resist. Try serving them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or alongside a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

Conclusion

From classic sugar cookies to gingerbread delights, our roundup of 12 Delicious Soft Christmas Cookies Recipes offers something sweet for every holiday table. We hope these treats inspire your baking adventures this season. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite, and share the joy by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy baking and merry Christmas!