Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

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Soft, pillowy, and just the right amount of sweet—these Christmas cookies are the kind of nostalgic treat that takes me right back to childhood. Every December, I pull out my box of cookie cutters and whip up a batch of these melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies. Shaped like trees, stars, and snowflakes, and topped with festive icing and sprinkles, they’re not just delicious—they’re a joy to make.

I love how these cookies stay soft for days, with edges that hold their shape but a center that feels like biting into buttery cake. The dough is simple and forgiving, which makes it perfect for family baking sessions or last-minute holiday treat trays. This is the recipe I rely on year after year when I want cookies that taste just as magical as they look.

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Why You’ll Love These Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich, buttery flavor and a soft, tender texture. They’re easy to roll out, hold their shape beautifully, and are incredibly fun to decorate. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing with family, or leaving them out for Santa, they’re a guaranteed holiday hit.

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What Kind of Icing Works Best for These Cookies?

Royal icing is a classic choice and works beautifully here—it dries firm, making the cookies easy to stack and store. But if you prefer something softer, a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk or cream and a dash of vanilla also pairs wonderfully. Just be sure to allow enough time for the icing to set before storing or stacking.

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Options for Substitutions

• Butter: You can use margarine in a pinch, but real butter gives the best flavor and texture.
• Eggs: If you’re baking for someone with an egg allergy, a flaxseed egg substitute works surprisingly well in this dough.
• Gluten-Free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly.
• Icing: Vegan royal icing alternatives are available, or go with a coconut milk glaze for a dairy-free option.

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Ingredients for Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness and helps with structure.
• Eggs: Give the dough moisture and binding power, making the cookies tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, fragrant flavor essential to classic sugar cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough. Provides structure and the perfect chewy-soft texture.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a light lift without spreading too much.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Royal Icing or Glaze: Used to decorate. Choose based on desired finish and flavor.
• Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: For decoration and festive flair.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a soft and airy texture.

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Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and blend thoroughly to enhance the cookie’s depth of flavor.

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Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.

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Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and better shape retention during baking.

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Step 5: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to shape the cookies.

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Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. They should be just set and slightly golden at the edges. Cool completely on a wire rack.

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Step 7: Decorate

Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or glaze. Add festive sprinkles or colored sugar before the icing sets. Allow cookies to dry completely before storing.

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How Long to Prepare Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

Prep Time: Preparing the dough takes about 20 minutes, including creaming the butter and sugar, adding eggs, and combining the dry ingredients. Chilling the dough is essential and adds an additional 1 hour to the prep time.

Baking and Decorating Time: Baking each batch takes 8–10 minutes. Allow 20–30 minutes for cooling, and another 20–30 minutes for decorating, depending on how detailed you go. In total, you should plan for around 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: This prevents spreading and keeps the cookie shapes sharp.
• Use parchment paper: It helps cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
• Roll dough evenly: Keeping a consistent thickness ensures uniform baking.
• Use gel food coloring: If you color your icing, gel provides vibrant color without thinning the consistency.
• Pipe outlines first: Then flood with icing for clean, professional-looking cookies.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies instead of soft, tender ones.
• Skipping the chill time: Warm dough spreads and loses its shape.
• Overbaking: These cookies should be pale with just a hint of golden edges. Overbaking dries them out quickly.
• Using too much flour when rolling: Excess flour can make the cookies dry. Use just enough to prevent sticking.
• Decorating before cookies cool: Icing will melt and run off warm cookies—patience pays off!

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What to Serve With Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth?

1. Hot Cocoa

Rich, creamy hot chocolate is the classic partner for holiday cookies.

2. Mulled Wine

For adults, a warm mug of spiced wine is cozy and festive alongside sweet treats.

3. Peppermint Mocha

Coffee lovers will enjoy this sweet, minty drink with their cookie fix.

4. Eggnog

Whether homemade or store-bought, eggnog pairs beautifully with spiced and sugary cookies.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla on the side of a warm cookie makes for a heavenly dessert.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Once decorated and dried, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing: Both baked (undecorated) and unbaked dough can be frozen. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and decorate once completely defrosted. For dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Refrigeration: Not ideal for decorated cookies as it can cause condensation on the icing. Only refrigerate undecorated dough if you plan to bake within 48 hours.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sodium: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly and avoid placing cookies on a hot baking sheet.

Can I freeze decorated cookies?

Yes, but be careful. Place them in a single layer until frozen, then stack between parchment in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to pack these cookies for gifting?

Use a cookie tin or box with dividers or parchment between layers. Allow icing to dry fully first.

Can I flavor the dough differently?

Absolutely! Add almond extract, lemon zest, or a touch of cinnamon for a twist.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges should be just barely golden, and the centers set but not browned. Err on the side of underbaking.

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Conclusion

Soft Christmas Cookies That Practically Melt in Your Mouth are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a tradition wrapped in sweetness and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing gift boxes, or just indulging in some festive joy, these cookies deliver on every front: texture, flavor, and presentation. With a bit of patience and a sprinkle of creativity, your holiday baking can be as magical as the season itself.

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