Nothing says “holidays” like the smell of classic Christmas cookies baking in the oven. I still remember standing on a step stool next to my mom, flour dusting my nose as we rolled out dough for our annual cookie decorating marathon. That simple joy – mixing butter and sugar with little hands – is what makes this recipe so special.

These classic Christmas cookies have been my go-to for years because they’re foolproof yet delicious. The dough comes together in minutes, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. What I love most is how the vanilla and almond extracts create that warm, nostalgic flavor that instantly transports me back to childhood Christmases.

Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing an old one, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday baking. The cookies hold their shape beautifully for decorating, and the dough is forgiving enough that kids can help without disaster. Trust me, after one bite of these buttery, golden-edged treats, they’ll become your family’s new favorite too!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe

I could list a dozen reasons why these cookies are my holiday must-have, but here are the absolute best parts:

So simple a kid could make them (mine do!) – no fancy techniques or weird ingredients
That perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers every single time
The dough practically begs to be decorated – holds sprinkles like a dream and won’t spread into pancake shapes
Smells like Christmas nostalgia with that warm vanilla-almond aroma filling your kitchen
One batch makes plenty for leaving out for Santa, gifting neighbors, and sneaking midnight snacks

Seriously – these cookies are like edible holiday magic. Once you try them, you’ll understand why my recipe box has butter stains on this page!

Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these holiday classics (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way – measure carefully!):

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, not packed
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – makes them puff just right
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness perfectly
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – leave it out for 30 minutes (finger should leave a dent)
3/4 cup granulated sugar – packed lightly into the measuring cup
1 large egg – straight from the fridge is fine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – pure, not imitation for best flavor
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) – my secret for that nostalgic holiday taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something! Here’s how to adapt:

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (I like King Arthur’s)
Vegan butter works surprisingly well – just add 1 extra Tbsp if dough seems dry
No almond extract? Try orange zest or just use extra vanilla
Salted butter is fine – just reduce added salt by half

The beauty of these cookies? They’re flexible – just don’t skip the butter and sugar!

Essential Equipment for Classic Christmas Cookies

You probably already have most of what you need! Here’s my must-have list:

Stand mixer or hand mixer – though a wooden spoon and strong arm work too
2 baking sheets – rimless ones bake most evenly
Cooling racks – prevents soggy bottoms
Cookie scoop or tablespoon – for perfectly portioned dough

Bonus items if you’re feeling festive:

Holiday cookie cutters
Piping bags for icing
Extra sprinkles (can you ever have too many?)

See? Nothing fancy – just simple tools for creating holiday magic!

How to Make Classic Christmas Cookies

Okay, let’s get baking! I’ve made these so many times I could do it in my sleep, but here’s exactly how to get that perfect holiday cookie every time:

First things first – preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your cookies the perfect start. Trust me, no one likes underbaked middles!
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. I like to do this first so everything’s ready when my butter and sugar are perfectly creamed.
Now the magic part – cream the butter and sugar for a full 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the texture magic happens! I use medium speed on my mixer.
Beat in the egg and extracts until everything’s smooth. The mixture might look a bit curdled at first – don’t panic! Just keep mixing.
Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed. The dough should come together beautifully without being sticky. If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough (I use a small cookie scoop) and place them 2 inches apart on baking sheets. No need to flatten – they’ll spread just enough.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden but centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool. Resist the urge to overbake!
Let them cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage but stops them from overcooking on hot pans.

Decorating Your Classic Christmas Cookies

Here’s where the real fun begins! While still slightly warm, press sprinkles into the tops. For icing, wait until completely cool. My kids love using:

Colored royal icing (let dry 2 hours)
Edible glitter mixed with coarse sugar
Mini chocolate chips pressed in patterns

Pro tip: If using icing, make extra – these disappear fast once decorated!

Tips for Perfect Classic Christmas Cookies

After baking thousands of these cookies (and eating plenty of test batches!), here are my can’t-miss secrets:

Measure flour right – spoon it into your cup and level off. Packed flour makes dry cookies, and nobody wants that!
Set a timer at 8 minutes – they go from perfect to overdone shockingly fast. Edges should be just golden.
Cool completely before storing – I lay them out overnight sometimes. Any warmth makes containers sweaty.
Chill sticky dough – 30 minutes in the fridge fixes everything if it’s too soft to handle.
Rotate pans halfway – especially if your oven has hot spots like mine does.

Remember – slightly underbaked is better than overbaked with these gems!

Storing and Freezing Classic Christmas Cookies

These cookies stay fresh surprisingly well – if they last that long! For room temp storage, use an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their texture for about a week (though mine never make it past day three).

Want to get ahead? Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer bags with parchment dividers. Thaw at room temperature – they taste just-baked! You can even freeze the dough balls raw on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Classic Christmas Cookies Nutritional Information

While we’re all about indulgence during the holidays (it’s cookie season, after all!), here’s the scoop on what’s in each treat. Remember, these are estimates – your exact amounts may vary slightly based on size and decorations:

Calories: 120 per cookie
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 1g

Now go enjoy that holiday magic – you’ve earned it!

FAQs About Classic Christmas Cookies

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! These classic Christmas cookies freeze beautifully as dough balls. Just scoop them onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight onto a baking sheet – no thawing needed! Add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Three tricks: 1) Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, 2) Chill sticky dough for 30 minutes before baking, and 3) Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Leaving 2 inches between cookies gives them room to puff properly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You bet! The dough keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days (wrap tightly in plastic). Baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for a week, or freeze them for holiday-ready treats anytime. If you are interested in other make-ahead recipes, check out this 7-day smoothie detox for inspiration.

Why are my cookies dry?
Over-measuring flour is usually the culprit. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off – never scoop! Also, watch that baking time carefully. Even one extra minute can make a big difference.

Can kids help decorate these?
This is the perfect starter cookie for little hands! The sturdy texture holds up to enthusiastic decorating. Pro tip: Put sprinkles in shallow bowls so tiny fingers can dip cookies easily.

Share Your Classic Christmas Cookies Experience

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday cookie creations! Snap a photo of your decorated masterpieces and tag me – I love seeing how each family puts their own spin on this recipe. Leave a comment with your favorite decoration ideas or any clever twists you tried. Happy baking, and may your season be as sweet as these cookies! For more sweet inspiration, you might enjoy this strawberry lassi drink recipe.

5 Irresistible Classic Christmas Cookies Recipe Guaranteed to Wow

Author: Zach
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Easy-to-follow recipe for classic Christmas cookies, perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and extracts until smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
Cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Notes

Chill dough for 30 minutes if too soft.
Use festive sprinkles for decoration.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday baking, easy cookie recipe