Christmas Butter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Butter Cookies are a festive treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays. With their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them an ideal baking project for families, especially when decorating with colorful sprinkles or icing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
7. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on the size and shape. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with an additional 8-10 minutes for baking. Allow 10 minutes for cooling.

Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and let them set.
• Spiced Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Lemon Butter Cookies: Substitute vanilla extract with lemon extract and add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store Christmas Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but if preferred, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

How do I prevent my butter cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What type of butter is best for this recipe?

Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content, but you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt accordingly.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, shape the dough into a log or individual cookies, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers set but not browned.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

Sprinkles, colored sugar, royal icing, or melted chocolate are all great options.

Are these cookies suitable for cookie cutters?

Yes, the dough holds its shape well, making it ideal for cookie cutters.

How do I make the cookies softer or crispier?

For softer cookies, bake slightly less time; for crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?

Yes, finely chopped nuts or dried fruit can be mixed into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Butter Cookies are a classic holiday treat that brings joy to any festive occasion. Their buttery flavor, tender texture, and endless decorating possibilities make them a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared as part of a holiday gift, these cookies are sure to be a delightful addition to your holiday traditions.

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