Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Introduction

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are the perfect embodiment of holiday cheer—every bite is a sweet reminder of the magic of the season. These cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with a rich, creamy frosting, making them as delightful to eat as they are to look at. Whether you’re preparing treats for a family gathering, participating in a festive cookie exchange, or simply indulging in some cozy baking, these cookies never fail to spread joy.

I have such fond memories of baking these cookies with my family during the holidays. The kitchen would be filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked dough, and the decorating process would turn into a fun, messy, laughter-filled affair. We’d pull out all the colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, and piping bags to create cookies that looked almost too good to eat (though we always managed to devour them quickly!).

What makes these cookies so special is their versatility. You can keep them simple with a classic white frosting and red-and-green sprinkles, or you can get creative with intricate designs and vibrant colors. The creamy frosting adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the soft, buttery cookie base. Serve them alongside hot cocoa or mulled cider for the ultimate holiday treat, or package them up in pretty boxes to share with neighbors and friends. No matter how you enjoy them, Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home.

Perfect for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Christmas parties
• Festive family baking sessions
• Gifting to friends and neighbors
• Enjoying with a warm drink by the fireplace

Why You’ll Love This Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Here’s why Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies will become your holiday baking staple:

• Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft, with a delicate crumb that makes them irresistible.
• Customizable Decorations: Let your creativity shine by adding festive sprinkles, colored frosting, or edible glitter to match your holiday theme.
• Perfectly Sweet: The combination of lightly sweet cookies and creamy frosting creates a balanced flavor that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly Recipe: This recipe is fun for kids and adults alike, making it perfect for a holiday baking day.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies stay soft and delicious for days, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Around 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies:

Cookie Dough

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Festive sprinkles for decorating

Ingredient Highlights

• Sour Cream: Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle tang that enhances their flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that pairs perfectly with the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy frosting that’s easy to spread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the sour cream, until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be soft.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.

Bake the Cookies:

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten Slightly: Use the bottom of a glass or your palm to gently flatten each dough ball.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

11. Cream the Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
12. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
13. Frost the Cookies: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies using a knife or offset spatula.
14. Decorate: Add festive sprinkles on top while the frosting is still soft.

How to Serve Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Enjoy your Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies in these delightful ways:

1. As a Centerpiece: Arrange them on a festive platter as the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table.
2. With Warm Drinks: Pair with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.
3. For Gifting: Package them in decorative boxes or bags to share with friends, family, or neighbors.
4. Cookie Decorating Party: Use them as a blank canvas for a fun family decorating session with different frostings and sprinkles.
5. For Santa: These cookies are perfect for leaving out with a glass of milk on Christmas Eve.

Additional Tips for Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps maintain their soft texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies—they should look slightly underbaked in the center to ensure a soft texture.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream or milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Experiment with Colors: Use different food colorings to create red, green, and white frosting for a classic Christmas palette.

Recipe Variations for Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Try these 10 variations to make the cookies unique:

1. Peppermint Frosting: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist.
2. Chocolate Frosted Cookies: Mix cocoa powder into the frosting for a chocolate lover’s dream.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies suitable for gluten-intolerant friends.
4. Cinnamon Spice Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
5. Lemon Frosted Cookies: Replace vanilla extract in the frosting with lemon extract for a zesty citrus flavor.
6. Almond Frosting: Substitute almond extract for vanilla in the frosting for a nutty aroma.
7. Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute in the dough and frosting for a low-sugar option.
8. Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra texture.
9. Festive Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to shape the cookies into Christmas trees, stars, or bells.
10. Coconut Topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the frosting for a snow-like effect.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Frost them after thawing.
• Storage: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Special Equipment for Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these cookies effortlessly:

1. Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and mixing the frosting.
2. Mixing Bowls: A variety of sizes for wet and dry ingredients.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for perfect cookies.
4. Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets and prevent sticking.
5. Baking Sheets: Large enough to bake multiple cookies at once.
6. Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling the cookies evenly.
7. Offset Spatula: Ideal for spreading the frosting smoothly.
8. Food Coloring Gel: For vibrant frosting colors.
9. Decorating Tools: Like piping bags for intricate frosting designs.
10. Sprinkle Assortment: To add a festive touch to your cookies.

FAQ Section for Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies

1. Can I skip chilling the dough?
   Chilling is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and to maintain their soft texture.
2. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
   Add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
3. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
4. Can I freeze frosted cookies?
   It’s better to freeze the cookies unfrosted and frost them after thawing for the best texture.
5. Can I make them dairy-free?
   Substitute butter with vegan butter, sour cream with coconut cream, and heavy cream with almond or oat milk.
6. What sprinkles work best?
   Nonpareils, jimmies, and sugar crystals all work beautifully on these cookies.
7. How do I prevent overbaking?
   Remove the cookies as soon as the edges are set, even if the centers look slightly underdone.
8. Can I use natural food coloring?
   Yes, use natural options like beet juice, matcha powder, or turmeric for coloring the frosting.
9. What makes these cookies so soft?
   The combination of sour cream, proper chilling, and not overbaking ensures the cookies stay tender.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch for holiday gatherings.

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Conclusion

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining a melt-in-your-mouth texture with festive, customizable decorations. The rich frosting and delicate cookie base make them irresistible to kids and adults alike, ensuring they’re a standout addition to your seasonal baking. Whether for gifting, parties, or cozy nights at home, these cookies bring the magic of Christmas to every occasion.

This recipe invites endless creativity—choose vibrant holiday colors, experiment with flavored frostings, or go all out with sparkling sprinkles. Perfect for involving the whole family, these cookies are as much about creating memories as they are about indulging in deliciousness. Their simplicity and charm make them a holiday tradition worth repeating year after year.

Bake a batch of Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies and spread holiday cheer! Don’t forget to share your creations—tag me on Instagram with your decorated masterpieces or leave a comment with your favorite twists on the recipe. Let’s celebrate the season one delightful bite at a time!