Classic Christmas Cookies

Classic Christmas cookies never last long in my house They are the first treat everyone reaches for when the holidays roll around The dough comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients and a little chill time The result is a soft melt in your mouth cookie dusted with sparkling red and green sugar that looks as festive as can be

The memories of baking these cookies with my family are truly woven into every December We have tried fancy versions but always circle back to this classic snowy soft style because it feels like home

Ingredients

• Salted butter: for richness and structure Using good quality butter brings out that authentic bakery style flavor
• Cream cheese: adds a unique creaminess and keeps the cookies tender Opt for a full fat brick style for best results
• Granulated sugar: to sweeten and help the cookies spread Using fine pure cane sugar ensures even texture
• Large eggs: for binding and moisture Use fresh eggs for better rise
• Vanilla extract: for warmth Choose pure vanilla for maximum flavor
• Almond extract: a little goes a long way for that festive scent Make sure your extract smells sweet not bitter
• All purpose flour: gives structure to the dough Pick a high quality unbleached flour for best texture
• Cornstarch: helps the cookies stay soft rather than crispy Sift it together with flour to prevent lumps
• Baking soda: aids in spreading Do not skip sifting for even distribution
• Salt: balances the sweetness Opt for fine sea salt or table salt
• Red and green sanding sugar: adds sparkle and holiday color Use a coarse sanding sugar for bright jewel like topping

Instructions

Make the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl combine the softened butter cream cheese sugar eggs vanilla and almond extract Whip with a hand mixer set to medium high until the mixture is very light and fluffy This usually takes about four to five minutes Take your time here the extra mixing makes for a better texture

Prepare the Dough:

Use a flexible spatula to scrape down the bowl so nothing sticks Add the flour cornstarch baking soda and salt Sift these directly into the bowl for maximum lightness With the mixer on low slowly blend until the dough is just fully combined and no streaks of flour remain The dough will be soft but thick

Chill the Dough:

Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl and tuck it in to seal the dough Refrigerate for two full hours The chill time allows the flour to fully hydrate and prevents the cookies from overspreading

Shape and Decorate:

Take the dough from the fridge and set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking Scoop small balls of dough about one tablespoon each and roll gently with your hands Space the cookies at least one inch apart on the prepared sheet

Create the Signature Look:

Dip the tines of a fork into flour then gently press into each dough ball twice at different angles to create a criss cross pattern Sprinkle each cookie generously with the red and green sanding sugar pressing lightly so it sticks

Bake:

Slide your tray into the middle of the oven and bake for nine to eleven minutes Watch closely The cookies should stay pale on top with no visible browning around the edges Remove when they look just set and very soft

Cool Completely:

Let the cookies rest on their baking sheet for five minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack Allow to cool completely before storing or serving

My favorite part is the almond extract It always brings back memories of baking with my grandmother who kept a tiny bottle saved just for Christmas cookies The scent of these cookies in the oven means the holidays have officially started

Storage Tips

Let cookies cool completely before stacking in airtight tins or containers Place wax or parchment sheets between layers This prevents colors and shapes from smushing They stay fresh at room temperature for four to five days or freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge if needed

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap unsalted butter in place of salted if you adjust the salt by adding an extra pinch For the cream cheese try Neufchâtel for a slightly lighter cookie If you have nut allergies replace almond extract with more vanilla

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies on a pretty tray alongside spiced cider or holiday cocoa They make perfect gifts tied up in clear bags with a ribbon I love setting out a few dishes for guests to grab as they pass through the kitchen

Cultural and Historical Context

Classic Christmas cookies have roots in German holiday baking and old American cookbooks The use of sanding sugar and pressed patterns links back to traditional butter cookies you would find at festive markets These cookies have adapted over generations yet they always keep the spirit of sharing alive

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap red and green sugar for pastel shades at Easter Use blue and silver sugar for Hanukkah celebrations Roll in cinnamon sugar in autumn for a cozy spiced version

Success Stories

My neighbor borrowed this recipe and baked dozens for her annual cookie swap They disappeared fast and she says now it is her go to holiday cookie I love hearing how these simple little treats turn into big memories in other homes too

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can shape the dough into balls and freeze unbaked Place on a tray to freeze then transfer to a zip top bag When ready to bake let them sit at room temperature while you heat the oven and proceed with pressing and decorating They turn out just as soft as freshly mixed

Classic recipes make holidays special and this one is a tradition worth sharing I hope your family enjoys these cookies as much as mine does

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter. Just add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

→ Is the chilling step necessary?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and gives them a soft, chewy texture.

→ Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough freezes well. Wrap it securely and thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What does the cream cheese add?

Cream cheese creates a softer, richer texture and helps keep the cookies moist.

→ How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?

Remove the cookies when they still look a bit pale and underdone; they will finish setting as they cool.