If you’ve been searching for the perfect holiday treat that brings joy with every bite, this Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are buttery, tender, and subtly sweet, capturing the essence of the season with the warm fragrance of vanilla and a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a festive delight that will impress your friends and family—and make your holiday baking moments truly magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a light green tray with several decorated Christmas sugar cookies. There are two reindeer cookies with three layers: a beige cookie base, a light brown smooth icing layer covering the head and antlers drawn with dark brown icing, and a shiny red jelly circle for the nose in the center of the face. Two llama-shaped cookies have three layers as well: a beige cookie base, pale pink icing covering the body, and fine details in dark green and red icing for a scarf and holly leaves on the neck. Two bell-shaped cookies have three layers: the beige cookie base, a pale pink icing covering most of the surface, and crushed peppermint pieces sprinkled on the upper part of the bell. The scene is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie. From the richness of butter to the fragrant touch of vanilla bean paste, these basics combine to deliver classic flavor and a tender crumb that’s utterly irresistible.

1 cup butter (room temperature + cubed): Using softened butter ensures your dough mixes evenly and gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweet enough to satisfy but not overpower, sugar balances the rich butter perfectly.
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste: This adds a deep, authentic vanilla flavor that’s richer than extract, making your cookies extra special.
1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture, making the dough smooth and easy to work with.
3 cups flour: The foundation of your cookies, it creates the ideal chewy yet tender structure.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a soft and tender cookie. The air you incorporate here gives your dough a delicate texture and ensures your cookies aren’t dense.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla bean paste to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough. The vanilla bean paste will infuse every bite with that signature festive aroma, making these cookies stand out.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to prevent overworking the dough. You’ll notice the dough starts coming together into a smooth ball—this means it’s perfectly ready to roll out.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle, ensuring clean edges when you cut out your festive shapes.

Step 5: Cut and Bake

Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite Christmas shapes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe

A cooling rack holds twelve unbaked sugar cookies shaped like a baby bottle, a bird, a baby rattle, a teddy bear, a pacifier, a duck, a rubber duck, a baby stroller, a baby onesie, a baby hat, a bunny, and another bird. The cookies are pale yellow with a smooth dough texture. Nearby are a small white bowl filled with pink and white candy pieces, a small bowl with light pink frosting, and an orange bowl filled with coarse pink sugar crystals. The background is a white marbled surface and a soft, light pink cloth is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing elevates these cookies like a festive touch. Dust them with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect or decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles for a fun holiday flair. Adding a bit of edible glitter can turn them into party-ready stars in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or creamy eggnog for a classic holiday combo. For a more adult twist, a spiked coffee like a peppermint mocha or a smooth mulled wine complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your cookie presentation unforgettable by stacking them in a clear glass jar tied with red and green ribbons. Or arrange them on a festive platter with holly sprigs and pinecones for a centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in. Gift boxes with tissue paper are a wonderful way to share these treats with loved ones during the season of giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week without losing their charm or buttery goodness.

Freezing

For even more convenience, you can freeze the dough before baking or freeze fully baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months. Baked cookies freeze well too—just place them in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen baked cookies at their best, let them thaw at room temperature. For an extra treat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key to the classic flavor and texture of this Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe, so it’s best not to substitute it. Margarine or oil will change the taste and might affect how the cookies hold together.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

Vanilla bean paste adds a wonderful richness and those little vanilla flecks, but you can swap it with high-quality vanilla extract in the same amount. The flavor will be slightly less intense, but still delicious.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough about 1/4 inch thick gives the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft center. Thinner dough will yield crunchier cookies, while thicker will be softer and chewier.

Can I add decorations before baking?

It’s best to add decorations like sprinkles before baking so they stick well, but icing and other toppings should be added after the cookies have fully cooled to prevent melting or running.

Is this recipe suitable for children to help make?

Absolutely! This Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe is simple and fun, making it great for kids to participate in every step, especially cutting shapes and decorating. Just supervise the oven part for safety.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely heartwarming about baking these Easy Christmas Cookies Recipe with loved ones, filling your home with festive aromas and sharing moments over sweet treats. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch as these simple ingredients transform into your new holiday favorite. Your taste buds and your guests will thank you!