Best Soft Christmas Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

best soft christmas cookies

By:

Julia marin

Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the *irresistible* aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. I can’t help but get excited just thinking about it! And trust me, you’re going to want to make the *best soft Christmas cookies* to share with family and friends (or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!). These cookies are not only deliciously soft and chewy, but their festive sprinkles and chocolatey goodness make them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer and leave everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s get baking and create some sweet memories together!

best soft christmas cookies - detail 1

Ingredients for the Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is key to baking these delightfully soft Christmas cookies, and I promise you won’t need anything too fancy! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little guy helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soft for easy creaming; it adds richness and flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness and a slight crunch on the edges.
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed: This brings a deeper flavor and helps keep the cookies soft.
  • 2 large eggs: They provide moisture and help bind everything together.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
  • 2 cups chocolate chips: Go for semi-sweet for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite!
  • 1 cup festive sprinkles: Because what’s a holiday cookie without a little sparkle?

Now that you’ve got everything ready, you’re one step closer to cookie perfection!

How to Prepare the Best Soft Christmas Cookies

Now comes the fun part—let’s bake those scrumptious cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the best soft Christmas cookies in no time:

  1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
  3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla: Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for that lovely holiday flavor.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies soft!
  6. Add the fun stuff: Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips and 1 cup of festive sprinkles. Your dough should look and smell amazing by now!
  7. Drop the dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look a bit soft—that’s the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
  9. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, it’s time to indulge in the holiday magic!

And just like that, you’ve made the best soft Christmas cookies! Your home is about to smell heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
  • Delightfully soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Festively colorful with sprinkles, making them a hit at any gathering.
  • Rich chocolate chips in every bite, adding that sweet surprise.
  • Great for sharing or enjoying cozy nights in by the fireplace.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft and delicious, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:

  • Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If you see too much color, you might end up with a crunchy cookie instead of the soft delight we want!
  • Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that leads to beautifully soft cookies.
  • Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape.
  • Line your baking sheets: Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures an even bake.
  • Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips or sprinkles! Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a hint of peppermint for a festive twist.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best soft Christmas cookies ever!

Variations for the Best Soft Christmas Cookies

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up a bit, I’ve got some delightful variations that you can try with these soft Christmas cookies! They’re super versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative:

  • Nutty Delight: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch. They add a great texture contrast to the soft cookie!
  • Mint Chocolate: Swap out the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips, and you’ll have a refreshing twist that screams holiday cheer!
  • Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a tart flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. Plus, they add a festive touch!
  • Spiced Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for the season.
  • Peanut Butter Swirl: Marbled peanut butter into the dough for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips.

These variations not only keep things exciting but also let you tailor the cookies to your taste. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked your deliciously soft Christmas cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and irresistible! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Trust me, these cookies are best enjoyed while they’re still soft and chewy!

If you find yourself with a stash that you can’t finish (or you want to save some for later!), you can freeze the cookies. Just pop them into a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie (or three!), simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm and melty, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Ooh, that’s the best way to revive that delightful softness!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the goodness packed into each cookie? Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie (just a little estimate, of course!):

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 7g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg

Keep in mind that variations in ingredients or portion sizes can slightly alter these numbers, but hey, it’s all part of the delicious fun! Enjoy every bite of your holiday treats guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delicious cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear from fellow bakers:

How can I ensure my cookies stay soft?
To keep your cookies soft, make sure not to overbake them! Pull them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’ll have soft Christmas cookies that everyone can enjoy. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If chocolate isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruits like cranberries. The possibilities are endless for your festive baking!

How do I make my cookies more festive?
To amp up the holiday spirit, you can add different colored sprinkles or even drizzle melted chocolate on top of cooled cookies. It’s a simple way to make your treats pop on any holiday platter!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!

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best soft christmas cookies

Best Soft Christmas Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously soft Christmas cookies perfect for the holiday season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup festive sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture; mix well.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture; stir until combined.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Store cookies in an airtight container.
  • For softer cookies, do not overbake.
  • You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: best soft christmas cookies, holiday cookies, festive baking

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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