The Best Classic Christmas Cookies You Must Bake Now

Nothing says “holiday magic” like pulling a tray of warm, glistening Classic Christmas Cookies from the oven. These little gems have been my go-to for decades – that perfect combo of soft centers and chewy edges that make kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) come running when the timer dings. The secret? A sneaky bit of cream cheese in the dough that gives them this melt-in-your-mouth quality you won’t find in ordinary sugar cookies. Every December, I double this recipe because between cookie swaps, teacher gifts, and my husband’s midnight snack raids, they disappear faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning. Pro tip: The almond extract might seem optional, but trust me – it’s what makes your kitchen smell like Santa’s workshop and gives that nostalgic “grandma’s cookies” flavor we all crave this time of year.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Christmas Cookies

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re practically holiday magic in dough form! Here’s why they’ve been my Christmas staple for years:

• That perfect texture: Soft centers with just the right chew thanks to our secret weapon—cream cheese!
• Easy as pie (but tastier): No fancy techniques—just mix, chill, and bake. Even my 8-year-old can help!
• Instant holiday cheer: The sparkly sanding sugar makes them look straight out of a Christmas movie.
• Make-ahead lifesaver: Dough keeps for days in the fridge or months in the freezer—perfect for last-minute guests.

Honestly? The hardest part is not eating them all straight off the cooling rack!

Ingredients for Classic Christmas Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients – nothing fancy, but each one plays a special role in creating that perfect holiday cookie. I’ve learned through many Christmases that quality matters here:

• 1 stick salted butter, softened – Leave it out for 30 minutes! Cold butter won’t cream properly.
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened – The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1½ cups sugar – Regular granulated works fine – no need to pack it down.
• 2 large eggs – Room temperature blends better into the dough.
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract + ¼ tsp almond extract – Trust me, this combo smells like Christmas!
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it – don’t scoop from the bag!
• 1 tbsp cornstarch – Our little trick for extra softness.
• 1 tsp baking soda + ¼ tsp salt – Yes, you need both!
• Red & Green Sanding Sugar – That sparkly festive crunch (regular sugar won’t give the same effect).

See? Nothing complicated – just pantry staples transformed into holiday magic!

Equipment You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required here—just these basic tools you probably already have:

• Large mixing bowl – Big enough for all that holiday cookie joy
• Hand mixer – Or strong arms if you’re feeling nostalgic!
• Baking sheets – I always use two—one baking while the other cools
• Parchment paper – Lifesaver for easy cleanup and no sticking

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic.

How to Make Classic Christmas Cookies

Okay, let’s dive into the fun part! These cookies come together so easily, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make them absolutely perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have cookies that’ll make your whole house smell like Christmas morning.

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

First, grab that softened butter and cream cheese – they should dent easily when you press them. Toss them in your mixing bowl with the sugar and beat with a hand mixer for a good 4-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns pale yellow and gets super fluffy – like edible clouds! Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by those magical vanilla and almond extracts. The smell alone will have your family hovering in the kitchen!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now for the dry team! Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt in another bowl. Here’s my secret: add them to the wet mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Overmixing is the enemy here – a few flour streaks are totally fine! The dough should be soft but not sticky – kind of like playdough but way tastier.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

I know, I know – waiting is the worst part! But trust me, this 2-hour chill time is non-negotiable. It lets the flour hydrate properly and prevents cookie spreading disasters. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap (press it right onto the dough surface to prevent drying) and walk away. Perfect time to wrap presents or sip some cocoa!

Step 4: Shape and Decorate

Now the fun begins! Roll tablespoon-sized portions between your palms – they should look like little snowballs. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets about an inch apart. Then take a fork and gently press down twice to make that classic criss-cross pattern (dip the fork in sugar if it sticks). Finally, shower them with that festive red and green sanding sugar – be generous! The sparkle makes them extra special.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Here’s where magic happens! Bake at 350°F for just 9-11 minutes – they should look slightly underdone in the centers when you pull them out (they’ll keep cooking on the tray). The edges should barely be golden – if they brown, they’ll lose that perfect chewiness. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Try not to eat them all while they’re still warm… though I won’t judge if you do!

Tips for Perfect Classic Christmas Cookies

After making these cookies every Christmas for 15 years (and eating way too many “test batches”), here are my foolproof tips:

• Room temp is key: Cold ingredients don’t blend well—your butter should dent easily when pressed.
• Don’t overmix: Stop the mixer as soon as the flour disappears—tough cookies come from overworked dough!
• Oven thermometer: Most ovens run hot or cold—a $5 thermometer prevents overbaked disasters.
• Underbake slightly: They’ll look too soft coming out—that’s perfect! They firm up as they cool.
• Fresh baking soda: Check the date—old soda won’t give that perfect rise.

Follow these, and you’ll have cookies Santa would trade his milk for!

Variations for Classic Christmas Cookies

While I adore the original version, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up! Here are my favorite twists that still keep that holiday spirit:

• Extract swap: Try orange or peppermint extract instead of almond for a festive twist
• Citrus zest: A tablespoon of lemon or orange zest brightens up the whole batch
• Colorful sprinkles: Mix up the sanding sugars – gold and silver look gorgeous too!
• Spiced version: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients

The best part? They’ll still disappear just as fast from the cookie tin!

Storing and Freezing Classic Christmas Cookies

Here’s the best part – these cookies actually get better after a day or two! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature (if they last that long) for up to 5 days. For freezing, I layer them between parchment paper in freezer bags – they’ll keep their texture beautifully for 3 months. Pro tip: Hide a few in the back of the freezer for January when you’re craving that holiday magic again!

Classic Christmas Cookies FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! This dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just portion it into balls before freezing – that way you can bake straight from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to the bake time). My freezer always has a batch ready for last-minute guests!

What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries – you can skip it, but the flavor won’t be quite as magical. If you’re in a pinch, try doubling the vanilla or adding a teaspoon of lemon zest instead. The almond extract really gives that nostalgic holiday flavor though!

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Three likely culprits: dough wasn’t chilled enough, butter was too soft, or you overmixed. That 2-hour chill time is crucial – it firms up the butter so cookies hold their shape. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh!

Can I use regular sugar instead of sanding sugar?
You can, but sanding sugar gives that special holiday sparkle and crunch. Regular sugar will mostly dissolve during baking. If you’re stuck, try coarse sugar or even colored sprinkles for festive flair!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on these festive treats – each cookie comes in at about 97 calories. Remember, nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Now go enjoy that holiday magic (maybe with an extra cookie or two – it’s Christmas after all)!

Share Your Classic Christmas Cookies

I’d love to see your holiday creations! Snap a photo of your cookies and share how they turned out in the comments below. Did you try any fun variations? Tag your baking adventures with #ChristmasCookieMagic so we can all enjoy the festive cheer together. Happy baking, and may your season be filled with sweet moments (and even sweeter cookies)!

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