This Best Soft Christmas Cookies recipe is buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect exactly what every holiday cookie platter needs. These cookies bake up soft and pillowy, with just the right balance of vanilla and almond flavor. The addition of cream cheese gives them a subtle richness that makes each bite smooth and irresistible.
Every time I make these soft Christmas cookies, I’m reminded of cozy afternoons spent baking while holiday music plays in the background and the scent of butter and vanilla fills the air. They’re simple to roll out, hold their shape beautifully, and taste just as good plain as they do frosted or sprinkled. If you love traditional cookies, you’ll also want to try my Holiday Sugar Cookies or buttery Christmas Shortbread Cookies both pair perfectly with this recipe for a gorgeous cookie tray.
In This Post
Why You’ll Love This Best Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
- Cream cheese adds flavor depth and tenderness that lasts for days.
- Easy to roll out and cut into festive holiday shapes.
- Delicious plain, frosted, or dusted with sparkling sugar.
- Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, and family baking days.
table talk
With Liliya!
When I was little, I used to think the magic of Christmas was hidden in the lights and presents but now, as an adult, I swear it’s in the smell of fresh cookies baking. These cream cheese sugar cookies have that nostalgic, bakery-style aroma that instantly feels festive. I love making them with my kids, using different shaped cutters for each holiday. Some get frosted, others get a sprinkle of sugar before baking but no matter how we decorate, these cookies never last more than a few days.
Liliya
Ingredients Needed for Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- Butter. Salted butter gives these cookies their rich, classic flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.
- Cream cheese. The secret to that soft, fluffy texture. It keeps the cookies tender while adding just a hint of tangy flavor.
- Sugar. Regular granulated sugar sweetens and helps the cookies hold their shape without spreading.
- Egg. Adds structure and richness, binding everything together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract. Classic vanilla gives warmth and a sweet aroma that balances the buttery base.
- Almond extract. A little goes a long way, but it adds that irresistible bakery-style flavor that makes these cookies extra special.
- Baking powder. Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft and light.
- Salt. Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- Flour. All-purpose flour provides structure and keeps the cookies tender when rolled to the right thickness.
How I Make Best Soft Christmas Cookies
(This is a quick overview of how I make the best soft Christmas cookies, with tips along the way. You’ll find the full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.)
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Beat together until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes — to give your cookies that signature soft texture.
- Add egg and extracts. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Mix everything together. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed until the dough comes together. It should feel soft and slightly tacky.
- Chill the dough. Divide into two balls, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for one hour to help the dough firm up and make cutting easier.
- Roll and cut. Roll out one dough ball to ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into festive shapes using your favorite cookie cutters.
- Bake. Arrange cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 8–12 minutes, until the edges are set but not browned.
- Cool and decorate. Let cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. Once cool, decorate with frosting or sprinkles if desired.
Expert Tips for Best Soft Christmas Cookies
Don’t skip the chill time. Chilling the dough keeps your cookies from spreading and helps them bake evenly soft.
Roll evenly. Keep the dough at ¼ ¼-inch thickness to maintain that perfect balance of soft and structured.
Avoid overbaking. Take the cookies out as soon as the edges look set — they’ll continue baking slightly as they cool.
Use quality vanilla. Real vanilla extract makes a huge difference in flavor for such a simple cookie.
Decorate when cool. Make sure cookies are completely cooled before icing to prevent melting.
Store correctly. Keep them in an airtight tin or cookie jar to maintain that soft, chewy texture for days.
Best Soft Christmas Cookies Variations and Substitutions
- Classic Vanilla Sugar Cookies. Skip the almond extract and double the vanilla for a traditional sugar cookie flavor.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon extract for a bright, citrusy version.
- Spiced Christmas Cookies. Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Frosted Christmas Cookies. Top with your favorite buttercream or royal icing for a festive bakery finish.
- Chocolate Drizzle Cookies. Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a beautiful, simple decoration.
- Almond Shortbread Variation. Reduce sugar slightly and add finely chopped almonds for a more buttery, nutty bite.
Storing / Freezing Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- At room temperature. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. They stay soft thanks to the cream cheese in the dough.
- In the fridge. If you live in a warm climate, store them chilled in an airtight container and let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing the dough. Shape the dough into discs, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
- Freezing baked cookies. Let cookies cool completely, layer between parchment in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To refresh. Warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes to restore that just-baked softness.
FAQs About Best Soft Christmas Cookies
What makes these cookies so soft?
The combination of cream cheese and butter gives them a rich, tender crumb that stays soft for days.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling prevents spreading and helps the cookies keep their beautiful shapes.
Can I use unsalted butter?
You can. Just add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
How do I know when they’re done?
They should look set but still pale. If the edges turn brown, they’re overbaked.
Can I frost or glaze them?
Absolutely! Try a simple vanilla glaze or royal icing, and top with sprinkles for a festive finish.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Try a simple vanilla glaze or royal icing, and top with sprinkles for a festive finish.
How do I store them for gifting?
Stack between parchment in cookie tins or boxes. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week.
More Holiday Cookie Recipes
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Best Soft Christmas Cookies
- Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield28 cookies 1x
- DietVegetarian
These Best Soft Christmas Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly shaped for the holidays. Cream cheese gives them a rich, soft texture that stays fresh for days, while a touch of almond extract adds that classic festive flavor. These cookies are easy to roll out, hold their shape beautifully, and taste incredible plain or frosted with your favorite icing.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup salted butter, softened (1½ sticks)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add egg and extracts. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough. Divide the dough into two balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven and prepare pans. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out and cut shapes. Roll one dough ball on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake. Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the cookies are just set and edges are still pale.
- Cool. Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or storing.
Notes
- Don’t overbake remove cookies as soon as the edges look set.
- For extra softness, store cookies with a slice of bread in the container.
- Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
More Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try
Looking for more holiday baking? Browse the full Christmas Cookie Recipes collection, or browse everything in our Cookie Recipes.
This cookie recipe looks wonderful. We are having a Christmas baby shower. These will be wonderful to make!!! Thank you
Where did you get the cookie cutter that leaves the imprint on the top of the cookie?
In the comments she said Etsy and there’s a link. Someone also linked one from Amazon