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Christmas Butter Cookies

These buttery, crisp-edged cookies are quick to mix, easy to shape, and perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp Use high-fat, good quality butter for best results.
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Optional, but lovely for extra flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Measure accurately for best texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until smooth.
  3. Add the flour and salt, and mix on low just until flour disappears. Scrape the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  4. Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if rolling into balls or logs.
  5. For piped cookies, fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe swirls onto a parchment-lined sheet. Chill tray for 15 minutes.
Baking
  1. Bake at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden.
  2. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Decorate with chocolate or sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They keep their crispness well, and the flavor deepens by day two.