Christmas Butter Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Classic

There’s something truly magical about Christmas Butter Cookies. Their buttery flavor, crisp texture, and simple beauty make them the perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just spreading holiday cheer with a batch of homemade cookies, these buttery delights are sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and a quick preparation process, these cookies can be whipped up in no time, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile — from classic shapes to colorful decorations, you can customize them to suit your style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a holiday staple for a reason. Their soft, tender texture pairs perfectly with a light, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Easy to make, these cookies are ideal for decorating with sprinkles, icing, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to give them that festive touch. Their simplicity and adaptability make them a crowd-pleaser, whether served as part of a cookie exchange, presented in a gift box, or enjoyed as a sweet snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they bring that nostalgic feeling of classic holiday baking, filling your kitchen with the warmth of the season.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Sugar
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• All-purpose flour

Variations

• Iced Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool and decorate with royal icing or glaze. Add colorful sprinkles for a fun touch.
• Chocolate Dip: For a decadent twist, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let them set before serving.
• Holiday Shapes: Use seasonal cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Decorate with colored sugar or icing to match the festive season.
• Lemon Butter Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy, refreshing flavor.
• Almond Variation: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla to give the cookies a nutty depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the baking powder and flour to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your desired shapes.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, decorate as desired or serve as they are.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Softening the Butter: Make sure your butter is fully softened before starting. This helps achieve a smooth, well-combined dough.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too soft to roll out, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting out shapes.
• Uniform Cookie Sizes: To ensure even baking, try to cut your cookies to a consistent thickness.

How to Serve

These Christmas Butter Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, as part of a cookie platter, or in a gift box for loved ones. Pair them with a hot drink like hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for an extra festive touch. They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert table or as a sweet snack any time of the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and delicious, ready for snacking at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, you can warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or so. This will bring back their original freshness and make them taste like they were just baked.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to have more control over the sweetness and saltiness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt.

2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Margarine can be used, but it may affect the flavor and texture. Butter gives the cookies a richer, more authentic taste.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before rolling out and baking.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden brown. If you prefer a softer texture, take them out slightly earlier.

6. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor and texture.

7. How do I make these cookies crunchy?

For crispier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake for a minute or two longer.

8. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just fine for this recipe, as long as it’s powerful enough to cream the butter and sugar well.

9. How should I decorate the cookies?

You can decorate the cookies with sprinkles, royal icing, or colored sugar. Be sure to let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

10. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This makes it easier to bake fresh cookies whenever you like.

Conclusion

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a simple yet delicious holiday treat that will become a tradition in your home. With their light, buttery flavor and crisp texture, they’re the perfect sweet treat for all ages. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with festive icing and sprinkles, they are sure to spread holiday cheer wherever they go. Make a batch (or two!) this holiday season and share the joy of homemade cookies with friends and family.

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