Everyone needs a good Christmas cookie recipe in their back pocket. In need of a great one? We’ve got you covered. These soft Christmas cookies are great for cookie exchanges and will quickly become a holiday tradition in your family.

Christmas Cookies Ingredients

These are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make this soft Christmas cookie recipe:

• Flour: These classic Christmas cookies start with all-purpose flour.
• Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavener, which means it makes the cookies rise.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, but it won’t make the cookies taste salty.
• Sugar and butter: White sugar is beaten with butter until lighter in color and fluffy.
• Eggs: Two eggs lend moisture and bind the dough together.
• Vanilla: Two teaspoons of vanilla extract is the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Christmas Cookies

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these Christmas cookies:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl.
2. Beat the sugar and butter in another bowl, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
3. Add flour mixture and stir until dough is just combined.
4. Chill the dough in the fridge.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake the cookies on prepared baking sheets until the edges are golden.

What Makes These Christmas Cookies So Soft?

There are a few reasons this recipe results in pillowy soft Christmas cookies:

• A teaspoon of baking powder helps the cookies rise during baking, which creates a fluffy texture.
• Two whole eggs add tons of moisture, keeping the cookies nice and tender.

How to Store Soft Christmas Cookies

The best way to store these Christmas cookies depends on whether or not you’ve decorated them. Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Cookies frosted with buttercream can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but make sure you add wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

If you used cream cheese frosting, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Soft Christmas Cookies?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the cookie dough before baking. Shape the dough into one or two flat disks. Wrap in one layer of storage wrap and one layer of foil. Freeze flat for up to three months and thaw in the fridge. Roll, cut, and bake the thawed dough according to the recipe.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Perfect for cut-out cookies,” according to Erin Vigeant. “Easy to roll and kept their shape without expanding. This will be my new go-to recipe.”

“These cookies turned out perfectly,” says Lauren Kristie Freidly. “They’re great on their own, with sprinkles, or with icing. Very versatile!! I will be using this recipe whenever I make sugar cookies in the future!!”

“I made the recipe as is and it was delicious,” says Stephanie Lynn. “The cookies held shape, tasted great, and were perfect for decorating. I baked them until they were just browning on the edges at the bottom. Definitely making these again next year.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams