The Story & Intro

Every holiday season, my kitchen fills with the sweet, comforting aroma of sugar cookies baking in the oven. Making Soft Bakery-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies reminds me of my childhood in Crete, where my grandmother would invite me to help decorate her homemade treats even if I ended up with more frosting on my hands than the cookies!

There’s something magical about cookies during the holidays: they’re simple, festive, and bring everyone together. I love how these soft sugar cookies combine that nostalgic bakery texture with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just indulging while wrapped in a cozy blanket with a cup of tea or cocoa.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s approachable for everyone. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create cookies that taste like they came from a bakery display. With easy-to-follow steps, a few simple ingredients, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can make cookies that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly festive.

These Soft Bakery-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies are a blend of sweet butter, light vanilla, and a hint of holiday cheer. Rolling them out, cutting them into fun shapes, and decorating with sprinkles or royal icing is pure joy especially when shared with kids, friends, or family. Baking becomes more than just a task; it becomes a memory-making activity, full of laughter, smells, and love.

Whenever I bake these cookies, I think of my grandmother, who taught me that cooking and baking are about connection. The best recipes are the ones that invite people to gather around, share stories, and enjoy a bite of something homemade. That’s why these cookies are my holiday go-to they’re soft, flavorful, and bring warmth to any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a recipe to gift neighbors, serve at a holiday brunch, or enjoy a quiet cookie night at home, this version of Soft Bakery-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies delivers. They’re buttery, soft, and decorated with festive charm an instant favorite for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for extra softness)
• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg, then add vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
8. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Soft Bakery-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or coffee for a perfect cozy holiday snack. They also make beautiful gifts when stacked in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. Pair them with gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark to create a delightful holiday cookie platter.

Conclusion

Baking Soft Bakery-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies is more than just creating a sweet treatit’s about creating memories. The soft, buttery texture, the sweet aroma, and the joy of decorating them bring warmth and festive cheer to any home. Whether shared with family, given as gifts, or enjoyed quietly with a cup of cocoa, these cookies remind us why baking is truly magical.

From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope these cookies inspire joy, creativity, and a little holiday magic this season. Baking doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs love, patience, and a sprinkle of fun.

⭐ Recipe Card 🍽️

⏳ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Bake: 10–12 minutes
• Total: 25–30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sprinkles or colored sugar

👩‍🍳 Instructions

(Full steps above)

📝 Notes

• For extra soft cookies, do not overbake.
• Chill dough 30 minutes before baking for cleaner shapes.
• Use royal icing or melted chocolate for creative decoration.
• Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

🔢 Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)

• Calories: 140
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 6g
• Protein: 2g

Short 100-Word Version of Marilyn’s Story

Hi, I’m Marilyn, a 38-year-old cook from Crete, Greece. I learned to cook and bake beside my grandmother, who taught me that food is about love, connection, and joy. Even messy kitchens brought the happiest memories! I love blending traditional flavors with creativity to make easy, comforting recipes for every occasion. Baking these Soft Bakery-Style Christmas Sugar Cookies is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays. They’re soft, tender, and festive perfect for sharing with family, friends, or enjoying quietly at home. Cooking, for me, is more than food; it’s a way to create memories.