Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about the holiday season, and nothing embodies that magic quite like these soft frosted Christmas cookies. These tender sugar cookies, topped with a luscious buttercream frosting, are a festive delight that will bring joy to every gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are guaranteed to make the holidays extra special.
Ingredients Breakdown
Crafting the perfect Christmas cookies starts with carefully chosen ingredients. Precise measurements are key to achieving the ideal texture and flavor. For the cookies, all-purpose flour forms the base, providing structure, while baking powder ensures a gentle rise for a light crumb. Salt balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavors of butter and sugar.
Room-temperature butter is crucial for creating a creamy dough and a rich, buttery taste. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve their tender bite. Eggs, also at room temperature, contribute moisture and bind the dough, while vanilla extract infuses a warm, aromatic sweetness.
The buttercream frosting elevates these cookies to a new level of indulgence. Softened butter serves as the base for a silky texture, while confectioner’s sugar provides sweetness and structure. A pinch of salt enhances the frosting’s depth, and heavy cream ensures spreadability. Vanilla extract ties the flavors together, and optional food coloring and sprinkles allow for festive customization.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
Begin by creaming butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy—a process that incorporates air for a light texture. Blend in the eggs and vanilla extract to create a smooth, cohesive mixture. Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients. Stir gently to prevent overworking the dough, which could lead to tough cookies.
Chilling the Dough
Refrigerating the dough is an essential step that should not be overlooked. Chilling allows the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to handle. It also intensifies the flavors, resulting in a cookie that tastes as good as it looks. A 30-minute rest in the refrigerator is all it takes to transform the dough into a manageable, flavorful base.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, portion it into 1.5-inch balls for uniformity. Spacing the dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures even baking. For a flatter cookie that’s ideal for frosting, gently press the dough balls with a floured glass. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the edges just begin to brown, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked without becoming dry.
Cooling the Cookies
Cooling the cookies thoroughly on a wire rack is essential before frosting. Residual heat can cause the frosting to melt, diminishing the cookies’ visual appeal. Allow at least 15 minutes of cooling time to ensure a firm base for your decorations.
Crafting the Buttercream Frosting
A perfectly whipped buttercream frosting is the crowning glory of these cookies. Using softened butter, whip the frosting until it achieves a smooth, airy consistency. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar to avoid lumps, followed by heavy cream to adjust the thickness. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while food coloring transforms the frosting into a festive palette. Decorate with sprinkles for a playful, holiday-ready look.
Recipe Tips
Achieving the Perfect Dough Texture:
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for seamless mixing.
Preventing Sticking:
Use parchment paper and lightly flour surfaces to avoid dough sticking.
Mastering Frosting Application:
Spread with a knife for rustic charm or pipe with a decorative tip for elegance.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced mulled cider, or a comforting chai latte. For a complete dessert spread, serve alongside peppermint bark or a classic gingerbread loaf. Create a holiday platter with these cookies at the centerpiece, complemented by assorted holiday treats for a stunning presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Dough Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to three months.
How Long Will the Cookies Stay Fresh?
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can I Use Store-Bought Frosting?
While convenient, homemade frosting provides superior flavor and customization.
What Variations Can I Try?
Add citrus zest for a zippy flavor, almond extract for nuttiness, or spices like cinnamon for warmth.
Storing and Sharing Your Cookies
To keep cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. For gifting, package in decorative tins or festive boxes lined with parchment or tissue paper. These cookies also shine as a show-stopping centerpiece for holiday dessert tables, adding a homemade touch to your celebrations.
Soft frosted Christmas cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a joyful expression of the holiday spirit. With endless options for personalization, they’re a canvas for creativity and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake a batch, share the love, and make this recipe a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, measured accurately*
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, brought to room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 ½ cups (284 g) confectioner’s sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 pinch salt
Optional: food coloring and decorative sprinkles
Instructions
Sugar Cookies
Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is pale and airy, about one minute. Blend in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies have a tender crumb and a rich flavor.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agent. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies remain soft and tender.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling process firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the cookies’ flavor.
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Once the dough is chilled, scoop portions using a medium-sized cookie scoop or roll into 1.5-inch balls by hand. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. For a flatter cookie ideal for frosting, gently press the dough balls down with a flour-dusted glass or your fingers. Otherwise, bake as-is for a more domed appearance.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set and the edges show the faintest hint of golden color. Timing may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Buttercream Frosting
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a mixer, whip the ingredients together until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a little more cream for a softer spread.
Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on top using a butter knife for a rustic finish, or pipe it on for a decorative touch. For a polished look, use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 2D tip, as shown in the recipe example. Add food coloring to the frosting if desired, and embellish with sprinkles for a festive flair.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft. They make the perfect sweet treat for any holiday gathering or gift-giving occasion.
Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Sugar Cookies
- 3 cups 360 g all-purpose flour, measured accurately*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup 198 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs brought to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
- ¾ cup 170 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 ½ cups 284 g confectioner’s sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional: food coloring and decorative sprinkles
Instructions
Sugar Cookies
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is pale and airy, about one minute. Blend in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies have a tender crumb and a rich flavor.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agent. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed or stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your cookies remain soft and tender.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling process firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the cookies’ flavor.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Once the dough is chilled, scoop portions using a medium-sized cookie scoop or roll into 1.5-inch balls by hand. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. For a flatter cookie ideal for frosting, gently press the dough balls down with a flour-dusted glass or your fingers. Otherwise, bake as-is for a more domed appearance.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set and the edges show the faintest hint of golden color. Timing may vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Buttercream Frosting
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a mixer, whip the ingredients together until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a little more cream for a softer spread.
- Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on top using a butter knife for a rustic finish, or pipe it on for a decorative touch. For a polished look, use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 2D tip, as shown in the recipe example. Add food coloring to the frosting if desired, and embellish with sprinkles for a festive flair.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft. They make the perfect sweet treat for any holiday gathering or gift-giving occasion.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately (gram measurements are provided in the recipe).
- If a kitchen scale isn’t available, use the spoon-and-level method: stir the flour to loosen it, gently spoon it into the measuring cup, and level off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly, as it compacts the flour and can add up to 25% extra, leading to dry, dense cookies that don’t spread properly.
- Store cookie dough in the refrigerator for 2–3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Keep baked cookies fresh for up to 5 days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture, replacing it as needed.
- If not frosting the cookies, roll them in granulated sugar before baking for added sweetness. The cookies are subtly sweet without frosting.
- Check out my 10 cookie-baking tips for more helpful advice and tricks!