Christmas Butter Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh-baked cookies filling your home during the holiday season, and these Christmas Butter Cookies are a perfect treat to make. With a rich, buttery flavor and a light, crisp texture, these cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Easy to make and with just a handful of ingredients, they’re the ideal choice for anyone who wants to bake something quick yet delicious this Christmas.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, and a few other pantry staples, you can create the perfect holiday cookie. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing a holiday gift, or serving them at a festive gathering, these buttery delights will surely be loved by all. Plus, their delicate golden color and classic appearance make them a beautiful addition to your holiday dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Butter Cookies are perfect for the holiday season, with a light, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of just a few simple ingredients—such as butter, sugar, and vanilla—results in a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. They’re not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can decorate them with colorful sprinkles, add festive icing, or enjoy them plain for a simple, comforting treat. They also make great gifts when packaged up nicely. With just 25 minutes to prepare and bake, this recipe will quickly become your go-to holiday cookie.

Ingredients

• Butter
• White sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Variations

1. Decorated Christmas Butter Cookies: Add colorful sprinkles or Christmas-themed sugar decorations before baking for a festive touch.
2. Iced Version: After the cookies cool, drizzle or spread icing over them to add an extra layer of sweetness and creativity.
3. Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
4. Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
5. Spiced Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. These ingredients will give the cookies their rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture until well combined.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 6: Flatten the Balls

Using a fork, gently flatten each dough ball to create the classic fork marks on top of the cookies.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges.

Step 8: Cool

Let the cookies cool on wire racks before serving or storing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with sugar. This helps create a smoother dough.
2. Avoid Overmixing: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
3. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.
4. Perfect Fork Marks: When flattening the cookies with a fork, dip the fork in flour to prevent it from sticking to the dough.
5. Keep an Eye on Them: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

How to Serve

These Christmas Butter Cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a hot cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee. Serve them on a festive plate or gift them in a beautifully decorated tin for a homemade holiday gift. For an extra festive touch, you can serve them alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cookies, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to get them warm and slightly crisp again.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s best to use butter for the richest flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

2. Can I make these cookies without an egg?

Yes, you can use a flax egg or another egg substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.

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

The cookies should be golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as they bake quickly.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles.

5. How do I decorate the cookies?

You can decorate the cookies with colored sugar, sprinkles, or icing. For icing, simply mix powdered sugar with a little milk to get a smooth consistency.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need more cookies for a large gathering.

7. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make and store the cookies ahead of time. They also freeze well, so you can bake them in advance for a stress-free holiday.

9. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to roll into balls, chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.

10. How do I know if the dough is the right consistency?

The dough should be soft but not too sticky. It should hold its shape when rolled into balls but still be easy to flatten with a fork.

Conclusion

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a simple, delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick preparation time, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just a cozy treat at home. Their light, buttery flavor and festive appearance make them a holiday classic that you’ll return to year after year. Whether enjoyed plain, decorated with icing, or dipped in your favorite hot drink, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen!

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