Christmas Butter Cookies

Classic, buttery, and beautifully decorated, Christmas Butter Cookies are a must-have during the holiday season. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are simple to make, full of rich flavor, and endlessly customizable with festive shapes, colors, and toppings.

Whether you’re baking with the kids, preparing a stunning holiday cookie platter, or creating edible gifts, these cookies are the perfect holiday treat. Their tender texture and buttery taste make them a timeless favorite for all generations.

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• Rich and Buttery: The ultimate indulgence with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Holiday Classic: Perfect for decorating and sharing during Christmas celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
• Customizable: Decorate with sprinkles, royal icing, or chocolate drizzle.

Exciting Story

The first time I made Christmas Butter Cookies, I was a child helping my grandmother in the kitchen. We’d roll out the dough, use her vintage cookie cutters to create festive shapes, and sprinkle colored sugar over each one. The house would fill with the heavenly aroma of butter and vanilla as the cookies baked.

Decades later, I still cherish that tradition. Now, I bake these cookies with my kids, and they love decorating each cookie as much as eating them. These cookies bring a sense of nostalgia and joy that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Why These Christmas Butter Cookies?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfect for Decorating: Hold their shape beautifully for intricate designs.
• Family-Friendly: A fun activity for kids and adults alike.
• Timeless Flavor: A buttery, tender cookie that’s always a hit.
• Festive and Versatile: Adapt them to any holiday theme.

What You Need for Christmas Butter Cookies

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Decorating:

• Royal icing or glaze (recipe below)
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter

How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake to keep them soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Prepare royal icing by mixing 2 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
2. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, and other toppings. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Tips for Christmas Butter Cookies

1. Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
2. Use High-Quality Butter: The butter flavor is the star of this recipe, so choose the best you can.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Flavored Dough: Add almond extract, lemon zest, or peppermint extract for a twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute for the dough and icing.
• Whole-Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for added fiber.
• Plant-Based Option: Use dairy-free butter and egg substitutes for a vegan version.

Closing for Christmas Butter Cookies

And there you have it—Christmas Butter Cookies, the perfect holiday treat for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. These classic cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’re sure to bring joy to your holiday season. Happy baking, and don’t forget to explore more of our festive recipes for inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions for Christmas Butter Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. How do I store baked cookies?
   Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
3. Can I freeze baked cookies?
   Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer before storing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
4. What’s the best way to color the icing?
   Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades without altering the icing’s consistency.
5. Do I need to refrigerate decorated cookies?
   If using royal icing, they can stay at room temperature. For perishable toppings, refrigerate.
6. What’s the best flour for these cookies?
   All-purpose flour works best for a tender, buttery texture.
7. Can I skip the chilling step?
   Chilling is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape during baking.
8. What’s the secret to soft cookies?
   Don’t overbake! Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
10. How do I make these cookies nut-free?
    Omit almond extract and use nut-free sprinkles or decorations.
11. Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
    Yes, mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts can be folded into the dough.
12. What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
    Roll it between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Enjoy making and sharing these classic cookies with loved ones this holiday season! 🎄🍪