Description
These Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect festive treat, with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture and a hint of vanilla. Simple to make and customizable with colorful sprinkles or icing, these cookies are great for holiday baking, sharing, and gifting. Their sweet, delicate flavor will make them a family favorite during the holiday season!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decoration)
- Royal icing or frosting (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
- Roll out and cut shapes: Once the dough has chilled, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun holiday shapes (such as stars, Christmas trees, or snowflakes).
- Bake the cookies: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing or frosting, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Once decorated, serve the cookies as part of your holiday spread, or package them up as gifts for family and friends.
Notes
- For a fun twist, you can dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle them with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles.
- If you don’t want to use royal icing, you can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Christmas
Keywords: Christmas Cookies, Butter Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Christmas Baking, Festive Cookies, Simple Butter Cookies, Cookie Decorating