Description

These Christmas Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a festive treat with your favorite warm drink. Decorate them with colorful sprinkles or icing for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Festive sprinkles or colored sugar (for decoration)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Decorate: Add festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Flavor Variations: Swap almond extract for lemon or peppermint extract for a different twist.
Icing Option: Decorate with royal icing for extra festive designs