There’s something magical about December afternoons when the kitchen fills with the smell of sugar and vanilla. The air feels cozy, and the sound of laughter bounces between mixing bowls. These Yogurt Christmas Cookies capture that spirit perfectly. They’re soft, buttery, and slightly tangy, the kind of treat that disappears fast from a cookie plate.
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Why You’ll Love These Yogurt Christmas Cookies
Yogurt makes these cookies extra tender and light. It adds moisture, so every bite stays soft for days. You’ll also taste a hint of tang that balances the sweetness, which feels refreshing after all those rich holiday treats.
This recipe is simple enough to make with kids or friends. It turns baking into a fun little holiday project. Plus, the dough is forgiving, and decorating them can be as fancy or as simple as you like.
Key Details at a Glance
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 135–145 minutes (includes chilling)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Yields: About 20–24 cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 75g softened butter
- 110g granulated sugar
- 1 medium egg
- ½ tsp vanilla essence
- 250g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 160g Greek yogurt (or full-fat yogurt)
For the Frosting
- 90g softened butter
- 150g powdered sugar
- A few drops of milk (as needed)
- Food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough
In one bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. This step gives the cookies their soft texture. Then add the egg and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
Next, gradually fold in the flour mixture. Add the yogurt and mix briefly until a sticky dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling makes it easier to roll later.
Step 2 – Roll, Cut, and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out half the chilled dough. Keep it about ¼ inch thick.
Cut shapes using your favorite cookie cutters and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cookies look set but not brown. Then, let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 3 – Make the Frosting and Decorate
Beat the butter until it’s light and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add a few drops of milk if it’s too thick. You can divide the frosting and tint each with a little food coloring for a cheerful holiday look.
Frost the completely cooled cookies, then decorate them however you like. Sprinkles, edible glitter, or a simple swirl all look beautiful.
Expert Tips for Perfect Yogurt Cookies
Always chill the dough. It firms up the butter and helps the cookies keep their shape.
Avoid overbaking. The cookies should stay pale with soft centers. They’ll finish setting as they cool.
For an extra holiday flavor, try adding orange zest, nutmeg, or cinnamon to the dough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the chilling step. The dough is sticky, and skipping this will make rolling impossible.
Overmixing the dough. Too much mixing can make the cookies dense instead of tender.
Frosting warm cookies. Always wait until they’re fully cooled to avoid melting the frosting.

Yogurt Christmas Cookies Recipe Card
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Yogurt Christmas Cookies – Soft, Festive, and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 140
- Yield: 22 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, tangy, and festive. Yogurt Christmas Cookies stay tender and moist with a creamy frosting. Perfect for decorating and sharing.
Ingredients
75g softened butter
110g granulated sugar
1 medium egg
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
250g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
160g Greek yogurt or full fat yogurt
For the frosting:
90g softened butter
150g powdered sugar
A few drops of milk as needed
Food coloring optional
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients gradually. Add yogurt. Mix just until a sticky dough forms.
5. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F 175°C. Line baking sheets.
7. Roll half the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch.
8. Cut shapes. Place on prepared sheets with space between.
9. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until set but not brown.
10. Cool on a wire rack completely.
11. Beat butter for frosting until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually.
12. Adjust with a few drops of milk. Tint with food coloring if desired.
13. Frost cooled cookies. Decorate and let set.
Notes
Dough is sticky. Chilling makes rolling easier.
Mix just until combined for soft cookies.
Keep cookies pale to maintain a tender center.
Add orange zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a festive twist.
Great for kids to help with decorating.
Store airtight up to 4 days. Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 7.5
- Saturated Fat: 4.7
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2.3
- Cholesterol: 22
More Such Recipes
If you love festive flavors, try these next:
- Festive cranberry orange cookies for the holiday dessert table
- Classic peanut butter blossoms Christmas cookies
- Easy gingerbread cookies for cozy holiday baking
- Christmas kitchen sink cookies with colorful mix-ins
Frequently Asked Questions
What does adding yogurt to cookies do?
Yogurt adds moisture and tenderness. It also gives a subtle tang that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
What is the most popular cookie at Christmas time?
Sugar cookies remain the classic favorite, often cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful icing.
What does adding yogurt do to baking?
In baking, yogurt lightens the texture and adds moisture, working like a mix between milk and butter. It helps prevent dryness in cookies, cakes, and breads.
What is Michelle Obama’s favorite cookie?
Her favorite is reportedly a shortbread cookie with citrus zest, often served during the White House holidays.

Final Thoughts
Baking these Yogurt Christmas Cookies feels like a small act of joy. The tangy sweetness, the soft crumb, and the sparkle of frosting capture the cozy feeling of the holidays. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of cocoa by the tree.
If you try them, share a photo or tag us on Pinterest or Facebook. I’d love to see your festive creations filling your kitchen with cheer.