Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream. The dough will be slightly sticky and soft, which is what you want for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the dough is too sticky to handle, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or more flour, but be careful not to make it too firm.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Chill for Better Texture: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to scoop and bake.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into balls. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten the Dough: Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your hand to form a round disc. These cookies don’t spread much, so flattening them will help them bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake; these cookies are meant to stay soft and chewy.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate (Optional)
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream or milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency (smooth and spreadable).
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each one.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or any other festive decorations on top of the frosting while it’s still soft.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once the cookies are decorated, they’re ready to be served! These Soft Christmas Cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or adding to your holiday cookie platter. Their softness and rich, buttery flavor are sure to make them a holiday favorite.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugar. This will give the cookies the perfect light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: To maintain the soft texture, take the cookies out of the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the center is still soft. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
- Add-ins: Customize these cookies with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate instead of frosting for a different twist.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw before baking.
Why You’ll Love Soft Christmas Cookies
These Soft Christmas Cookies are the epitome of holiday baking—rich, buttery, and soft with a perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether enjoyed with family during Christmas movie night or shared at a festive holiday party, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. The frosting and sprinkles add a fun, festive touch, making them a delightful treat for everyone. They’re a timeless classic, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.