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When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies. I recently whipped up a batch of Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies, and I can hardly wait to share this easy recipe with you! Imagine soft, pillowy cookies topped with colorful frosting and festive sprinkles—a delightful way to spread joy without the stress of elaborate baking.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies promise a blend of simplicity and festive flair. Best of all, there’s no need to worry about rolling dough or precise measurements; they come together in a breeze! With every bite, you’ll be reminded of childhood holidays and warm family gatherings, all while treating your loved ones to a deliciously homemade treat. So, let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that will surely brighten your holiday celebrations!

Why Love Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies?

Delightful treats that capture the essence of the season, these Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are a must-bake!
Effortless preparation means you’ll whip them up in no time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Versatile in flavor and decoration, personalize them for any festive occasion with ease.
Nostalgic flavors will transport you back to cherished holiday memories with every bite.
Crowd-pleasing appeal makes them ideal for gatherings, guaranteeing smiles from all around the table.
Get ready to spread joy and cheer—these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create these delightful treats!

For the Dough

Butter – Provides richness and flavor; use unsalted for better control over saltiness.
Shortening – Creates a soft texture; can substitute with more butter if desired.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; no substitute for this recipe.
Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic flavor; substitute with almond extract for a different taste.
Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; all-purpose flour is recommended.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Adds flavor and moisture; do not prepare pudding, use the dry mix directly.
Baking Powder – Provides leavening for a light texture; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt – Balances sweetness; essential for overall taste.

For the Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Used for frosting; can be substituted with confectioner’s sugar for similar results.
Heavy Cream – Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable; milk can substitute, but consistency may vary.
Food Coloring – Optional for vibrant frosting; use gel coloring for intense colors without affecting texture.
Christmas Sprinkles – Provides a festive appeal; use any preferred festive sprinkles.

These ingredients will lead you on a delightful journey to bake Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies that are sure to brighten your holiday season!

How to Make Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Cream together the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes will do! The mixture should be pale and airy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended. This adds moisture and depth of flavor, making your cookies extra delicious!
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Ensure there are no lumps for an even texture in your final dough.
Combine the dry ingredients gradually into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cookies soft!
Scoop out the dough using a cookie scoop, placing mounds about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This gives them room to spread while baking.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and the centers are set. They should still be soft to the touch!
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures a perfect, tender texture.
For the Frosting: Beat softened butter in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cream, mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Mix in your choice of vanilla or peppermint extract, and divide the frosting into bowls to color as desired. Get creative with those colors!
Frost the cooled cookies and decorate with your festive sprinkles to add that holiday cheer. Each cookie can be as unique as you are!

Optional: Drizzle additional melted chocolate over the frosted cookies for an extra special touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in your refrigerator, which helps maintain freshness and prevents browning. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and frost them 3 days ahead of time; simply refrigerate the frosted cookies in a single layer. When ready to serve, let them come to room temperature for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves. This method not only saves time but ensures your holiday treats are just as delicious and festive!

Expert Tips for Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Baking Time: Keep an eye on the clock! Remove cookies from the oven when they’re golden on the edges but still soft in the middle to ensure they’re fluffy.
Room Temperature Dough: Always let your cookie dough come to room temperature before baking. This helps achieve an even soft texture for your Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies.
Frosting Technique: Use a piping bag for a more polished look when frosting. It allows for precise application and adds a professional touch to your festive cookies.
Chilling the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to work with and ensures better cookie shapes.
Creative Decorations: Feel free to get creative with your frosting! Mixing in different flavors or using unique sprinkles can personalize each batch of Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies for a festive twist.

What to Serve with Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies?

Create a delightful holiday spread that leaves everyone smiling with these enchanting cookie pairings.

Cozy Hot Chocolate: This rich, velvety drink perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite feel like a warm hug. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm glass of spiced apple cider adds a seasonal zing that balances the softness of the cookies, enhancing those holiday flavors with each sip.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies, turning every bite into a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.
Festive Fruit Platter: Pair the cookies with a bright array of fresh fruits like cranberries, oranges, and apples. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, refreshing the palate in between bites.
Nutty Biscotti: Offering a contrasting crunch, nutty biscotti provides a delightful texture to enjoy alongside your soft cookies, perfect for dipping into coffee or tea.
Chocolate-dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of chocolate-dipped pretzels pairs well with the sweetness of the frosting, creating a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds.
Peppermint Mocha: This seasonal favorite not only warms you up but enhances the festive spirit of your cookie spread, thanks to its rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors.

These delightful accompaniments will transform your holiday cookie experience into a memorable gathering filled with warmth and cheer.

Storage Tips for Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in a single layer for up to 5-7 days to maintain their moistness and flavor.

Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating the frosted cookies for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezer: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw before frosting.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, briefly microwave a frosted cookie for about 10-15 seconds, just until soft but avoid melting the frosting.

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies Variations

Explore the endless ways to make these cookies uniquely yours, tapping into your creativity!

Flavor Twist: Add almond extract instead of vanilla for a delightful nutty flavor that’s just divine.
Citrus Zing: Mix in lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, bright note in each soft bite.
Chocolate Love: Substitute part of the flour with cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate cookie base before frosting.
Sprinkle Fun: Choose from a variety of festive sprinkles or toppings—everything from crushed candy canes to colorful nonpareils can elevate your cookies!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful texture contrast amidst the softness.
Minty Freshness: Incorporate peppermint extract into the frosting for a refreshing holiday twist that pairs perfectly with warm drinks.
Colorful Layers: Create a layered frosting effect by dividing your frosting into different bowls and mixing in various gel colors for a vibrant display.
Spices Galore: Sprinkle in a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spiced profile that encapsulates the spirit of the season.

Whichever variation you choose, these Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are sure to bring festive cheer and deliciousness to your kitchen!

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavors in your Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Look for butter that is firm but not overly cold, and eggs that are clean, without any cracks. When selecting flour, make sure it’s freshly purchased; old flour can lose its potency. If you’re using vanilla extract, opt for pure rather than imitation to get that rich aroma.

How should I store leftover cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your frosted cookies in an airtight container in a single layer at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze my Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies! For freezing, I recommend keeping them unfrosted. Place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and then frost them for a delightful treat!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky to handle?
If your cookie dough feels too soft and sticky to scoop, don’t worry! Simply cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This chilling step not only makes it easier to handle but also helps improve the texture of your cookies once baked, leading to perfectly soft and fluffy delights.

Are there any dietary considerations for making these cookies?
Certainly! If you’re making these cookies for a gathering that includes guests with allergies, be aware of potential sensitivities. The recipe contains common allergens like eggs, dairy, and gluten. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend. Also, consider using a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant.

How can I ensure my cookies remain soft after baking?
To keep your Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. They should come out of the oven when the edges are just golden but the center is still light in color and slightly soft. The cooling process is equally important; allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they finish cooking but don’t become dry.