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.

Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Recipe by Liliya

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

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

Scale

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

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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

Find it online: https://wearerecipes.com/best-soft-christmas-cookies/