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Soft frosted Christmas cookies served on a holiday table

Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies recipe

These Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies are thick, tender, bakery-style sugar cookies topped with creamy homemade frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles. They’re buttery, perfectly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft—making them the ultimate Christmas cookie for gifting, parties, or cozy holiday baking with family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36 Cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups 360 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons milk add 1–2 tablespoons more if dough feels too dry

For the Frosting

  • ½ cup 113 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups 360 g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk or cream

Optional Add-Ins

  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract for light almond flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for a minty holiday twist
  • Gel food coloring for clean color without thinning the frosting
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions  

1. Mix the Cookie Dough

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and smooth.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low.
  • Add the milk. The dough should look soft and slightly sticky but not wet.
  • Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes so the dough firms up.

2. Shape the Cookies

  • Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Scoop 1 ½-tablespoon balls of dough.
  • Roll each ball gently in your hands.
  • Place on the sheet, leaving 2 inches of space.
  • Lightly press each ball with the bottom of a glass to flatten it into a thick disc.

3. Bake

  • Bake for 10–12 minutes.
  • The edges should look set but not brown.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a rack.

4. Make the Frosting

  • Beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time.
  • Add vanilla.
  • Add milk or cream as needed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  • Add gel coloring if you want colored frosting.

5. Decorate

  • Spread a thick layer of frosting on each cookie.
  • Add sprinkles.
  • Let the cookies sit 20–30 minutes so the frosting sets.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use room-temperature butter for a fluffier, softer dough.
  • Chill dough 30–60 minutes to help cookies keep their shape.
  • Swap almond extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of cornstarch for extra tenderness.
  • Bake just until edges set—avoid browning to keep them soft.
  • Let cookies cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Store frosted cookies in layers with parchment to avoid sticking.
  • Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months; frost after thawing.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~180  
Carbohydrates: ~26g  
Fiber: ~0.5g  
Sugars: ~17g  
Protein: ~2g  
Fat: ~8g  
Saturated Fat: ~5g  
Cholesterol: ~30mg  
Sodium: ~95mg  
Potassium: ~30mg  
Calcium: ~15mg  
Iron: ~0.7mg
Keyword Soft Frosted Christmas Cookies recipe