Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday treat, loved for their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant, colorful frosting. These cookies are perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles, making them a fun activity for kids and a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Their soft, chewy consistency and sweet, creamy frosting make them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- flour
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- baking powder
- salt
- sour cream
- powdered sugar
- milk
- food coloring (for frosting)
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream, and mix until just combined.
- Scoop the dough and form it into balls, then flatten slightly with your hand or a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and a little vanilla extract. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each for a variety of colors.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread the frosting on top and decorate with sprinkles.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 8-10 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Use different food colors to create a rainbow of frosted cookies.
- Add almond extract to the frosting for a hint of almond flavor.
- Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Top with colored sugar or themed sprinkles for more festive fun.
storage/reheating
Store Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies without frosting for up to 2 months. Frost them once thawed.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookies and freeze them without frosting. Add the frosting when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! You can use royal icing or store-bought frosting if you prefer.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking to make it easier to handle.
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie dough?
Yes, you can mix in chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Conclusion
Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer in cookie form. With their soft texture and bright, colorful frosting, they bring both joy and sweetness to any celebration. These cookies are perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply enjoying with family and friends during the festive season.
PrintSoft Frosted Christmas Cookies
Delicious, soft, and chewy cookies topped with a sweet, creamy frosting – perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Food coloring (optional, for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, in a medium bowl, mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread the frosting on top of each cookie. If desired, add food coloring to the frosting and decorate with sprinkles.
- Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- These cookies freeze well – just store them in an airtight container between layers of wax paper.
- Use a cookie cutter to shape the dough into festive holiday shapes before baking for an added touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg