Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

Name: Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 2 h 28 min
Cuisine: American
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

Author: Samantha Reed

Published: December 9, 2025

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Introduction to Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

There’s something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The air fills with warmth, sweetness, and the spirit of togetherness. These Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to embrace that holiday cheer without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling errands or a professional racing against time, this recipe is your secret weapon for creating delicious treats. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends, leaving them smiling and asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

These Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies are not only mouthwatering, but they’re also ridiculously easy to make. With minimal prep and bake time, you can fill your home with delightful aromas before dashing off to your next task. Their soft, buttery texture melts in your mouth, offering comfort and joy in every bite. Plus, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, making you the star of any celebration with zero stress!

Ingredients for Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

To make these delightful Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cookies, giving them structure. You can also substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Baking powder: It’s our leavening agent, helping the cookies rise beautifully without being too dense.

Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances the sweetness and balances flavors, making every bite a little more exciting.
Granulated sugar: This brings the sweetness and helps in achieving that lovely buttery color. For a twist, try brown sugar for a chewier texture.

Margarine: This is your source of creaminess. Softened margarine blends easily and adds that needed moisture. You can use unsalted butter for a richer taste, just remember to adjust the salt!
Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together, adding richness and aiding in leavening.
Vanilla extract: The secret ingredient! It adds depth and warmth, making your cookies taste like a little hug from the oven.

Every ingredient has its purpose, making it a breeze to whip up a batch of these cookies. If you’re curious about the exact quantities needed to bake these treats, check down at the bottom of the article where you’ll find a handy printable version!

How to Make Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making these Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies! This step-by-step guide will make it easy and enjoyable, even if you’re juggling a busy schedule.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium-sized bowl. Sifting is important because it aerates the flour, ensuring a lighter cookie. Just hold the sifter over the bowl and tap it gently. Let those tiny grains fall effortlessly while mingling with the baking powder and salt, like a snow shower settling on a winter’s day. Once that’s done, set it aside for now.

Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Margarine

In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat together the granulated sugar and softened margarine until it’s creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial. It creates air pockets in the mixture, making your cookies light and tender. Don’t rush; take a minute or two to get that beautiful creamy consistency. It should feel like a cozy cloud on your mixer’s beater!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the two eggs and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat them in one at a time, ensuring everything is smoothly blended. This is where the magic happens! The eggs bind the dough, while vanilla adds that warm, inviting flavor that fills the kitchen with holiday cheer. If you close your eyes, you might even hear the gingerbread men humming happily!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now comes the exciting part—bringing everything together! Gradually add your sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, gently folding the dry mix in until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; you want to keep those soft, buttery vibes alive. Just like when you mix family into your holiday plans, it should be a lovely union of flavors without losing that special touch.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This is a game changer! Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking. Plus, cold dough tends to keep its shape better, ensuring those cute reindeer and snowman shapes look fantastic when they come out of the oven!

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once chilled, it’s time to roll out your dough! Lightly flour your workspace and roll the dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Whether it’s stars, trees, or candy canes, make it a cozy family activity. Gather any scraps, reroll them, and cut more shapes until you’ve used it all. Every cookie is a chance for fun!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease your baking sheets. Place your cut-out cookies on the prepared sheets, leaving space for them to expand. Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t be tempted to leave them longer! They will continue to cook on the baking sheet and turn crispy if you aren’t careful. Trust me, that soft, buttery texture is what we’re after here!

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial! Cooling helps set their texture, keeping them buttery soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Think of it as letting your holiday spirit gather for a moment before it bursts forth — just like the joy these cookies will bring!

Tips for Success

Make sure your margarine is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; ovens can vary, and a minute can make all the difference.

When rolling dough, sprinkle flour on your surface to prevent sticking but avoid using too much flour for tenderness.
Mix in your favorite festive sprinkles or chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain that buttery softness.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for creaming and a medium one for sifting. Glass or metal works great!
Electric mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will save you time and effort when creaming.
Cookie cutters: Use festive shapes or even a glass if you don’t have any handy.

Baking sheets: Two sheets work best; non-stick or lined with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup.
Wire rack: Essential for cooling cookies, but a plate works in a pinch!

Variations of Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

Chocolate Chip Infusion: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful surprise in every bite.

Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for an added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Delight: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy note that’s perfect for the season.
Citrus Zest: For a fresh twist, stir in the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, zesty flavor!

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to keep the cookies soft and delicious.
Vegan Option: Swap margarine for coconut oil and use flaxseed meals mixed with water as an egg substitute to create irresistible vegan treats.

Serving Suggestions for Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

Serve with a glass of warm milk for a comforting classic that brings back childhood memories.

Pair with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a festive touch that warms the heart.
Arrange cookies on a decorative platter, dusted with powdered sugar for a winter wonderland feel.
Gift a box of decorated cookies to friends or family as a sweet holiday surprise!

FAQs about Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies

As I share this Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies recipe, I often get asked some common questions. Let’s dive into the details that can help you get the most out of your baking experience!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped dough for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling out. It’ll be as good as fresh!

How can I make my cookies more festive?
Consider adding colored sugar or sprinkles before baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top to create stunning holiday treats. The more, the merrier!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If that happens, ensure your dough is well-chilled before baking. You can also try adding a bit more flour to create a sturdier dough. We want our cookies to hold their festive shapes!

Can I replace margarine with butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just remember to use unsalted butter, and you may want to reduce the added salt a touch. Your cookies will taste rich and delightful!

How should I store the cookies for freshness?
Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay buttery soft and ready to delight your family and friends!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies is more than just a culinary delight; it’s a heartfelt experience that fills your home with warmth and joy. The journey from mixing ingredients to presenting those beautifully shaped cookies encourages family bonding and creates lasting memories. Each bite transports you to a cozy festive moment, igniting a joyful spirit that makes the holidays shine a bit brighter. So, gather your loved ones, put on some holiday tunes, and dive into the magic of baking together. You’ll find that the love you mix in really does make each cookie taste like a piece of home.