Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 10, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

Few things evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season quite like the aroma of fresh-baked cookies filling the kitchen. These Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are the ultimate festive treat—delicately soft, delightfully buttery, and tender enough to melt in your mouth. Crafted with simple yet classic ingredients, they bring nostalgic comfort wrapped in every bite.

Whether you’re decorating them with sprinkles or sharing them fresh from the oven, these cookies promise to create memorable moments with loved ones. Their soft texture and gentle sweetness make them perfect companions for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or a joyful gift in a festive tin.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and buttery texture that melts in your mouth, embodying holiday comfort.
Simple ingredients come together easily for a timeless festive cookie.
Customizable shapes and decorations make them perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: 3 3/4 cups of finely sifted flour provide the structure and softness needed for tender cookies.
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon to help the dough rise slightly, contributing to a light, airy texture.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon enhances flavor and balances the sweetness for depth.
Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups to sweeten the cookies perfectly without overpowering the buttery notes.
Margarine, softened: 1 cup used to create a rich, tender crumb with a creamy mouthfeel.
Large eggs: 2 eggs act as binders and add moisture, enriching the dough.
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for a warm, fragrant flavor that complements the buttery base.

Instructions

Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. This ensures an even mix of leavening and seasoning, preventing clumps for a smooth, uniform dough.
Cream Margarine and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened margarine with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This aeration lightens the dough and is essential for a tender texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate one egg at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract. This gradual addition helps emulsify the dough, ensuring consistent moisture and flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and prevent toughness.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Chilling firms up the dough for easier rolling and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
Roll Out and Cut Shapes: Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Gather scraps and reroll to maximize the dough usage.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Timing is key to keep the centers soft while achieving a gentle crisp on the edges.
Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. This prevents breakage and ensures perfect texture.

You Must Know

Refrigerating the dough is essential for ease of handling and helps maintain cookie shape.
Oven temperatures may vary; watch cookies closely to avoid overbaking and maintain softness.
Adding sprinkles or colored sugar before baking adds festive visual appeal and a slight crunch.

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these buttery cookies alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a festive treat. They also make charming holiday gifts when wrapped in decorative tins or cellophane bags.

Professional Tips

Softened margarine, not melted, is key for the right dough texture.
Use parchment paper on baking sheets to further prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
If dough becomes too sticky after chilling, lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter for margarine?: Yes, butter can be used for a richer flavor, but margarine maintains a slightly softer texture. Adjust baking time as needed.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?: Chilling firms the dough, preventing spreading during baking and making it easier to roll and cut.
How do I keep cookies soft longer?: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple slice to maintain moisture and softness.
Can I add decorations before or after baking?: Add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for adherence. Icing and other decorations are best added after cookies have fully cooled.
What is the best way to roll the dough evenly?: Use rolling pin rings or guide sticks to achieve consistent 1/4-inch thickness for even baking.
Is it possible to make this dough ahead?: Yes, dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen for up to one month; thaw and roll before baking.