Soft Frosted Christmas Cookie Recipe You Need to Try

Hey there! The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time to bake up some magic. These Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are everything a festive treat should be—melt-in-your-mouth soft, topped with a creamy layer of frosting, and showered with cheerful sprinkles. If you’ve ever fallen in love with those bakery-fresh frosted sugar cookies, this homemade version is calling your name. Bonus: They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the decorating part? Absolute family fun!

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday cookie, this is it—soft, sweet, and decked out for Christmas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Customizable for any holiday or celebration—just change the frosting color and sprinkles!
• The frosting recipe is dreamy: creamy, sweet, and sets beautifully for stacking.
• Kids will adore helping decorate, making these perfect for family baking sessions.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for that perfect cookie texture. Forgot to take it out of the fridge? No problem! Cut it into small cubes and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to give the cookies sweetness without overpowering them.
• Eggs: These bind the dough together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for these soft, pillowy cookies.
• Salt: Just a pinch ensures balance and enhances the sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Essential for giving the cookies a gentle rise.

For the Frosting:

• Powdered Sugar: Sifts easily for smooth, creamy frosting.
• Butter: Softened (again!), because creamy frosting starts with the right butter texture.
• Milk: Use just enough to adjust the frosting consistency to your liking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that signature sweetness and warmth.
• Food Coloring: Optional, but highly recommended for festive flair!
• Sprinkles: Go wild! Pick red, green, gold, or any mix you love for a Christmas vibe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—they make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Beat in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.

Step 5: Roll the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Lightly flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass.

Step 6: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just set. The cookies should still look soft in the center—don’t overbake! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the frosting by beating 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk until creamy and smooth. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to get that festive touch.

Step 8: Frost the cooled cookies generously, then top with sprinkles. Let the frosting set for 1–2 hours before stacking or storing.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• For super soft cookies, don’t overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
• Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes can help if it feels too sticky to handle.
• Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get a smooth, even layer of frosting.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Variation: Swap out the food coloring in the frosting for different holidays—orange for Halloween, pastels for Easter, or blue and silver for Hanukkah.
• Serving Tip: Plate these beauties on a festive platter, and serve with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday treat.

FAQs

• How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze in a single layer for up to 3 months.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling.
• Can I use margarine instead of butter? Butter is best for flavor and texture in this recipe, but in a pinch, you can substitute margarine.