Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth, perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they are a celebration of flavors and textures that bring warmth to your festive gatherings. The combination of simple ingredients creates a rich and soft texture that everyone in your family will love. With the right techniques, you can achieve that melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes them irresistible. Let’s dive into this tender Christmas cookie recipe that will become a cherished tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
These Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Here’s why you will love them:
- They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply divine.
- Perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings, making them ideal for family and friends.
- Customizable with various holiday-themed cookie cutters.
- They stay soft and fresh longer, thanks to the buttery ingredients.
- This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, accommodating various dietary preferences.
- They can be decorated with icing, sprinkles, or enjoyed plain for a classic taste.
With these delicious buttery Christmas cookie ideas, you’ll create lasting memories around the table this season.
Ingredients for Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup margarine, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
These ingredients combine to create a rich and soft dough that is easy to work with, making this an easy buttery soft cookie recipe for holiday fun.
How to Make Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and softened margarine together until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add one egg to the creamed mixture and beat until blended. Add the second egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Step 4: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms while avoiding overmixing.
- Step 5: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to facilitate handling.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
- Step 7: Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets, gathering scraps to reroll.
- Step 8: Bake cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Follow these buttery Christmas cookie baking techniques to ensure each cookie is perfectly soft. Remember, the key to achieving soft Christmas cookies lies in not overbaking.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your margarine is softened but not melted for the right texture.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Check your oven temperature for accuracy; sometimes, an oven thermometer can help.
- Decorate with icing after cookies have cooled to maintain their soft texture.
Best Ways to Serve Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
These cookies can be served in various delightful ways:
- Pair with a glass of cold milk for a classic experience.
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee to warm up chilly nights.
- Present them on a festive platter as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Consider making a fluffy Christmas cookie variation by adding sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for extra holiday cheer!
How to Store and Reheat Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain soft for up to a week. For longer shelf life, you can freeze them. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their delightful soft texture. This method is perfect for meal prep during the busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies?
The secret lies in using softened margarine and not overmixing the dough, which helps to maintain that tender texture. Additionally, chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that perfect soft cookie.
Can I make Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies?
To prevent your cookies from becoming too hard, avoid overbaking and ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Monitoring baking time closely will help achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Variations of Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic recipe.
- Incorporate crushed peppermint candies for a festive flavor.
- Try a lemon zest addition for a fresh, citrusy note.
- Make a nutty version by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
With these ideas, you can create delicious buttery holiday cookies that cater to your unique taste preferences.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pumpkin Coffee Cake or try our Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies. If you’re looking for a unique dessert, don’t miss our Irresistible Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes.
Print
Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies that Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup margarine, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and softened margarine together until smooth and creamy.
- Add one egg to the creamed mixture and beat until blended. Add the second egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms while avoiding overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to facilitate handling.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets, gathering scraps to reroll.
- Bake cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg