Christmas Cookies Recipe – A Cozy, Buttery Holiday Classic

Introduction

The kitchen smells like butter and vanilla. Snow mutes the street, and the low hum of the oven feels like a cozy blanket. These Christmas Cookies arrive buttery, slightly crisp at the edges, and soft in the middle — they always take me back to Sunday dinners. If you’re pressed for time, you can peek at a quick alternative I sometimes make: no-bake Christmas crunch cookies for a fast snack.

Why You’ll Love This

• Classic, buttery flavor that’s crowd-pleasing.
• Quick to make; kids can help decorate.
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients.
• Frosts and stores well for gift boxes.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: about 24 cookies
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes (including cooling)
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: sweet + buttery

Warm confidence: these are forgiving cookies — follow cues below and you’ll do fine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (for icing)
• Food coloring (red and green)
• Sprinkles or decorative pearls

Chef notes:

• Unsalted butter helps control salt.
• Use room-temp egg for even mixing.
• Sift powdered sugar for smooth icing.

How to Make It

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Then, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and pale; the mixture should look light and slightly fluffy.
3. Next, beat in the egg and 1½ teaspoons vanilla until glossy.
4. Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, stirring until a soft dough forms; it should hold together but not be sticky.
6. Roll the dough into 1–inch balls and place them on the lined sheet. Flatten each slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Watch for set edges and no browning on top — the cookies are done when the centers no longer look wet.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack; they firm up as they cool. Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and icing vanilla until smooth. Add color and transfer to piping bags.
9. Finally, decorate with colored icing, sprinkles, or pearls. Let the icing set for at least 30 minutes before stacking.

Tip: if you want a chewier option, try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or check my cranberry-orange variation for a different texture.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Chill dough 10 minutes for neater scoops and less spreading.
2. Common mistake + fix: Overbaking dries cookies; pull them when centers look set but not brown.
3. Simple variation: Stir ½ teaspoon cinnamon into the dough for a warm note.

Serving Ideas

• A plate beside afternoon tea for a quiet winter break.
• Pack in wax paper and ribbon for neighbor gifts.
• Arrange on a dessert table with fruitcake and candy canes.
• Garnish with extra pearls or a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze un-iced cookies for up to 3 months; thaw before icing.
• Reheat: Warm briefly (10–12 seconds) in the microwave to soften without melting icing.
  Leftover idea: Make cookie sandwiches with jam or buttercream.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Bake, cool, and freeze un-iced cookies; ice after thawing.

Q: Any substitutions for dairy?
A: Use vegan butter and a flax egg; texture shifts slightly but still good.

Q: How do I know they’re done?
A: Edges will set and feel firm; centers will look matte, not glossy.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely — freeze plain cookies, then decorate later to keep icing fresh. This is handy for Christmas Cookies gifting.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this simple recipe because it balances comfort with quick satisfaction. Try decorating with kids; the mess is part of the memory. If you tweak a spice or add a sprinkle, tell me how it turned out — I’ll be in the kitchen trying it too. Christmas Cookies

Conclusion

For a classic tested version, see this helpful guide to Christmas Cookies! (Vanilla Biscuits/Sugar Cookies) – RecipeTin Eats for technique tips and photos. Or, if you want an easy icing tutorial and step-by-step pictures, check Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing – Sally’s Baking.

Christmas Cookies

These Christmas Cookies arrive buttery, slightly crisp at the edges, and soft in the middle, perfect for holiday gifting and decoration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Helps control salt.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg Use room-temp for even mixing.
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Icing Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar Sift for smooth icing.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk Adjust for consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla For icing.
• Food coloring (red and green)
• Sprinkles or decorative pearls

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and pale.
3. Beat in the egg and 1½ teaspoons vanilla until glossy.
4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
5. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet, stirring until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined sheet. Flatten each slightly.

Baking

1. Bake for 8–10 minutes, watching for set edges and no browning on top.
2. Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack.

Icing

1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and icing vanilla until smooth. Add color and transfer to piping bags.
2. Decorate cookies with colored icing, sprinkles, or pearls. Let icing set for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

To make cookies chewier, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. Chill dough for easier scooping. Avoid overbaking.