To make these cookies, gather 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of unsalted butter softened to room temperature, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of sour cream. For decoration, you can use colored sugar, icing, or sprinkles.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F or 180°C and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, wrap it in plastic, and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters in shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes to cut out your cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar for a festive touch.
The method ensures that every cookie comes out soft, tender, and full of buttery sweetness. The combination of sour cream and butter gives them a moist, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Proper mixing, chilling, and baking are key steps for perfect results.
These soft Christmas cookies have a delightful history that ties back to early European holiday traditions where families baked sweet, spiced treats to celebrate winter festivals. Over time, American households adopted and modified these recipes, adding creamy butter, vanilla, and frosting, transforming them into the soft sugar cookies we love today.
Beyond taste, these cookies carry emotional benefits—they bring people together. The act of baking, decorating, and sharing cookies fosters joy, bonding, and festive spirit. The ingredients, though simple, combine to create comfort and happiness during cold winter days.
For formation, rolling evenly ensures that all cookies bake at the same rate. Using parchment paper keeps the bottoms soft and golden. Allowing the cookies to cool fully before decorating prevents the icing from melting.
Lovers of these cookies adore them for their softness, nostalgic flavor, and the fun of creating colorful designs. They are perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
Nutritionally, each cookie provides approximately 120 calories, with around 2 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 17 grams of carbohydrates. Though indulgent, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of festive celebrations.
In conclusion, soft Christmas cookies for the holidays are more than just a dessert—they are a symbol of love, family, and togetherness. Their gentle sweetness, soft crumb, and delightful decoration make them the heart of Christmas baking. Lovers of these cookies cherish both the taste and the memories they create, making every bite a reminder of warmth, joy, and the magic of the holiday season.
