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Overhead view of a cooling rack filled with soft Christmas cutout sugar cookies in tree and snowflake shapes, decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles on a rustic wooden table.

Soft Christmas Cookies: The Best Cutout Sugar Cookie Recipe

These soft Christmas cookies are buttery, festive, and perfect for decorating! They hold their shape beautifully and stay irresistibly tender — the ultimate holiday treat for baking, gifting, and cookie exchanges.
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Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American, Christmas
Calories: 135
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (or 1/4 tsp for milder flavor)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for icing)
  • 3-4 tbsp milk (for icing)
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup (for icing)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
  • gel food coloring, optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Rolling Pin
  • parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Baking sheets
  • christmas cookie cutters
  • wire cooling racks

Method
 

  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. Cream butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add vanilla and almond extract.
  4. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix.
  5. Divide dough into 2 portions. Roll each to 1/4 inch thickness on floured parchment. Cover and chill for 1–2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Cut chilled dough with cookie cutters. Arrange on baking sheets and chill again 10+ minutes before baking.
  8. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  9. Mix powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla to make icing. Divide and color with food gel if desired.
  10. Decorate cooled cookies with icing. Let icing dry fully before stacking or storing.

Notes

Be sure to chill the dough for at least 1–2 hours to prevent spread. For a flavor twist, try lemon or orange zest. When decorating, let icing dry fully before stacking. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant icing without altering consistency.