There’s something truly magical about a soft, chewy cookie fresh from the oven, especially when it’s wrapped up in all the festive joy of the holidays. This Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe has been my go-to for years because it’s as simple as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, sending some love in a tin, or just treating yourself, these cookies hit the perfect balance between sweet, soft, and festive.

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is — even if you’re not a baking wizard, you’ll still get those tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies you dream about every December. Plus, the subtle hint of almond extract paired with classic vanilla and cream cheese makes these cookies stand out without any complicated steps. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a staple in your holiday arsenal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe work beautifully together to create a tender crumb and rich flavor. Most of these are pantry staples, but I always recommend fresh eggs and good quality vanilla extract to really bring these cookies to life.

Salted butter: Softened to room temperature to blend smoothly and create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream cheese: Also softened; adds moistness and a slight tang that sets these cookies apart.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly to sweeten and give the right bite.
Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature help with binding and softness.
Vanilla extract: A must for warm, classic flavor.
Almond extract: Just a touch for a festive, nutty twist that’s subtle but special.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, helps give them structure without toughness.
Cornstarch: This little addition keeps the cookies tender and soft — no crunch here!
Baking soda: For just enough lift and spread.
Salt: Enhances flavors, balancing all the sweetness.
Red & green sanding sugar: For that classic Christmas sparkle and crunch topping.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe your own. It’s a perfect canvas for a little festive creativity — I often tweak it depending on my mood or who I’m sharing with.

Chocolate chip version: I once swapped half the sanding sugar for mini chocolate chips, and the kids went wild over the extra melty chocolate goodness.
Gluten-free alternative: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; these cookies remain delightfully soft without missing a beat.
Spiced up: Adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth and extra holiday vibes.
Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter and cream cheese with vegan versions, and use flax eggs; results were surprisingly soft and festive!

How to Make Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar

Start by beating your softened butter and cream cheese together until they’re completely smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step—take 2-3 minutes with your mixer at medium speed to really get a light and fluffy texture. Then add the sugar and keep mixing until the mixture is pale and airy. This base is where your cookies get that soft, tender crumb they’re famous for.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the dough stay smooth and evenly mixed. Then add vanilla and almond extracts—those little drops pack a punch of Christmas spirit in every bite. Mix just until combined; overmixing here can toughen your cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently or mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. It’ll be soft and slightly sticky—that’s perfect, don’t add more flour!

Step 4: Scoop and Coat with Festive Sugar

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll them lightly in your red and green sanding sugar for that nostalgic Christmas sparkle—you’ll love how they look baking! Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving room to spread.

Step 5: Bake Until Soft and Set

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 9-11 minutes. You want to catch them when the edges are set and the centers still look a touch underbaked—this keeps them soft once cooled. Let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. I find patience here really pays off in the softness department.

How to Serve Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

The image shows a white square dish with a solid block of pale yellow butter in the top left corner, next to a white round bowl filled with dark brown liquid positioned in the top right. Below, a white round bowl holds three brown eggs, and beside it to the right is another white round bowl filled with fine white flour. In the lower left corner, there is a white round bowl filled with shredded white cheese. Around these main bowls are three small white bowls containing colored sprinkles: green with white dots on top near the center, white with tiny beads below it, and red with white dots on the bottom right. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the red and green sanding sugar—it’s festive and gives every bite a tiny bit of sparkle and snap. Sometimes I add a little hit of edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate for a little extra wow when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced cider, peppermint tea, or even a classic eggnog if you’re feeling indulgent. For a holiday party, I love serving them alongside a cheese board or a selection of nuts and dried fruits for a nice salty-sweet balance.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I arranged these cookies in the shape of a Christmas wreath on a large platter, filling the center with holly leaves and red berries. It was a huge hit! You can also tie small stacks with red ribbon for gifting, or present them in decorative tins layered with parchment paper for a cozy, homemade feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, usually lined with a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They stay soft for about 4-5 days, which is perfect because they’re usually eaten much faster!

Freezing

If I’m making these cookies in advance, I freeze the dough balls before baking. Just pop them onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time. It’s a real time-saver during busy holiday weeks!

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked softness. Alternatively, a few minutes in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil works great if you want them warm but not overdone.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang, you can omit it and replace it with an equal amount of butter. The cookies might be slightly less tender but will still turn out tasty and soft.
Why do I use cornstarch in this Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe?

Cornstarch helps keep the cookies extra tender by softening the flour’s gluten structure. It’s a small addition with a noticeable impact on the softness and texture.
Can I decorate these cookies with frosting instead of sanding sugar?

Absolutely! These cookies pair well with a simple royal icing or cream cheese frosting for a more decorated look. Keep in mind this will add sweetness and moisture, so allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
How do I keep my cookies soft and not crunchy?

Don’t overbake the cookies—pull them out just as the edges set but centers still look soft. Also, storing them airtight at room temperature helps retain moisture and softness.
Can I use this recipe all year round?

Definitely! While these cookies sparkle with holiday colors, you can swap the sanding sugar for chocolate chips, sprinkles, or keep them plain for a soft, everyday treat anytime you want.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe is one of those comforting, reliable recipes I reach for every holiday season — and honestly, even outside of it! I love how straightforward it is, and the way it fills my kitchen with that warm, festive smell never gets old. I’m excited for you to try it and make your own memories with these soft, sweet bites. Once you bake a batch, I bet this recipe will become a holiday tradition for you, just like it did for me.