Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some festive baking! These Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to make with your loved ones, whether you’re preparing for a Christmas gathering or gifting something sweet. Simple to make yet irresistibly delicious, these buttery cookies will fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of the holidays.
Ingredients:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: colored sugar, sprinkles, or edible decorations for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet or use a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The key to a tender cookie is making sure the butter and sugar are properly creamed, so take your time here.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugar are nicely combined, add the vanilla extract. Mix it in until fully incorporated. Vanilla is the essence of many Christmas treats, and it will give your cookies that warm, inviting flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Once all the flour is added, use your hands or a spatula to work the dough until it’s smooth and fully combined. You’ll notice the dough is slightly firm and easy to handle.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on top.
Step 6: Cut Out Shapes
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun holiday shapes like stars, trees, candy canes, or circles. These cookies are perfect for getting creative, so feel free to use multiple cookie cutters for variety. Place the cut-out shapes onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them; they should remain soft with a delicate texture.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles while they’re still warm. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
Tips for Success:
Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a smooth dough.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why These Christmas Butter Cookies Are Perfect:
These cookies are versatile, allowing you to get creative with shapes and decorations. They have a rich, buttery flavor that’s not too sweet, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, a holiday cookie exchange, or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring festive cheer
