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Fluffy Christmas Cookies with Cookie Press – Soft, Buttery & Fun to Decorate

These Fluffy Christmas Cookies are the classic, melt-in-your-mouth cookie press cookies that everyone remembers from childhood holiday tins. They’re soft, buttery, gently sweet, and hold their shape beautifully when pressed into festive designs like stars, trees, snowflakes, and wreaths. The dough is easy to work with, requires no chilling, and lets you decorate as simply or as creatively as you like — add sprinkles, place a cherry in the center, drizzle melted chocolate, or leave them plain for a buttery, delicate finish. These are perfect for: Cookie gift boxes Cookie swaps Kids’ holiday baking days Christmas morning treats They’re nostalgic, festive, and incredibly fun to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
bake time 11 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 55 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter very soft
  • ⅝ cup powdered icing sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
Decorations (Optional)
  • Sprinkles
  • Small pieces of chocolate
  • Halved maraschino cherries for the center of flower-shaped cookies

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cookie press
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper (optional, see tip)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. If using a cookie press, do not line your tray with parchment — press cookies stick better to an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 2:
  1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light, smooth, and fluffy.
Step 3:
  1. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
Step 4:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together.
Step 5:
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
  2. Fold gently with a spatula until a soft, smooth dough forms.
  3. (Do not chill — dough must stay soft for the cookie press.)
Step 6:
  1. Load dough into your cookie press. Press shapes directly onto your baking sheet.
Step 7:
  1. Decorate before baking:
  2. Add sprinkles
  3. Press a cherry half into the center
  4. Press a chocolate piece into the middle
Step 8:
  1. Bake 8–11 minutes, until the edges are just turning lightly golden.
  2. Do not overbake — they stay soft this way.
Step 9:
  1. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight tin or container for up to 7 days — they stay soft and buttery.
Freeze baked cookies for 2 months.
To refresh softness, microwave a cookie 4 seconds (yes — magic).
🥄 Variations
Vanilla Snow Cookies: Dust with powdered sugar after cooling.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate once cooled.
Almond Bakery Style: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract.
Cherry Blossom: Use the flower disc and press a cherry half in the center — classic vintage look.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why shouldn’t I chill the dough?
Chilled dough won’t press smoothly.
Can I use parchment paper?
Cookies may not stick well — press directly onto the baking sheet.
My cookies aren’t releasing from the press — why?
Dough may be too firm — add ½ teaspoon water and try again.
Can I color the dough?
Yes — gel food coloring works best.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes — thaw fully before pressing.
Can I add flavor extracts?
Yes — almond, orange, or peppermint are great holiday choices.
Are these meant to be soft or crunchy?
Soft, buttery, and lightly tender — not crispy.
Can kids help?
Yes — cookie press baking is perfect for kids.
How do I make them extra fluffy?
Beat the butter and sugar well — aeration = softness.
🏁 Conclusion
These Fluffy Christmas Cookie Press Cookies are soft, buttery, festive, and completely nostalgic. They’re easy to decorate, fun to shape, and beautiful on cookie platters — perfect for spreading holiday joy.
Bake them with someone you love.
Bake them to fill the house with warmth.
Bake them because Christmas is meant to taste sweet