There’s a moment every December when my kitchen transforms. The air fills with the scent of vanilla and butter, and a gentle warmth emanates from the oven, promising something sweet and magical. That moment, for me, is when I make these Soft Christmas Cookies. I discovered this recipe years ago, scribbled on a notecard tucked inside my grandmother’s old cookbook. The first time I made them, watching them puff into soft, pale golden clouds, I knew I’d found our family’s forever Christmas cookie. They’re not just cookies; they’re the taste of my holiday joy—tender, subtly sweet, and endlessly forgiving, perfect for a snowy afternoon of decorating with loved ones. The memory is woven into the very smell of them baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will adore this recipe because it delivers the cookie of your holiday dreams: incredibly soft, pillowy, and just sweet enough to let your royal icing or sprinkles shine. They’re sturdy enough for kids to decorate but melt-in-your-mouth tender. From my experience, this dough is a dream to work with—it doesn’t spread wildly in the oven, so your Christmas trees stay tree-shaped and your snowmen stay plump. Trust me, if you want a cookie that feels like a hug in baked form, this is the one for you.
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended!)
Let’s talk ingredients, because this is where the magic starts. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness myself—it makes a huge difference in the final flavor. That half-teaspoon of salt? Don’t skip it; it’s the secret weapon that balances the sweetness and makes the vanilla sing. Speaking of vanilla, use the real stuff. I’ve tried this with imitation, and trust me, the pure extract creates a warmer, richer aroma. The almond extract is my personal touch; it adds a beautiful, subtle depth that makes people ask, “What’s in these? They’re amazing!” If you’re allergic, just leave it out—they’ll still be wonderful.(See the next page below to continue…)