Bring the holiday spirit straight to your kitchen with these Soft Christmas Cookies. Made with sour cream for tenderness and topped with colorful icing and sprinkles, these cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, or cozy nights with hot cocoa by the fire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & tender: Sour cream keeps the cookies moist and delicate.
- Festively customizable: Use food coloring, sprinkles, and edible decorations to match any holiday theme.
- Quick & simple: Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-friendly: A fun baking activity for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Icing
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheets with 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Centers should remain soft. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the Icing
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
Step 9: Decorate
Divide icing into bowls, add food coloring, and spread or drizzle over cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles or edible toppings. Allow icing to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Festive colors: Red and green icing make these perfect for Christmas.
- Flavor twist: Swap almond extract with peppermint extract for a minty holiday vibe.
- Thicker icing: Add more powdered sugar to create frosting-style icing.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze un-iced cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate fresh for best results.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread — it helps maintain moisture.
What to Serve With Soft Christmas Cookies
- A warm cup of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows
- Holiday spiced tea or mulled wine
- Served on a cookie tray with gingerbread men and sugar cookies
Recipe Card
Soft Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: ~180 kcal per cookie
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season. Tender, sweet, and beautifully decorated, they’re a joyful addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or enjoying them with family, they’ll quickly become a Christmas tradition.
