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Plate of delicious Christmas butter cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles.

Christmas Butter Cookies

Delicious and festive butter cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any holiday occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature for better blending.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie structure.
  • 1 large egg yolk Provides richness and helps bind the dough.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balancing ingredient for sweetness.
Decoration Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For icing drizzle decoration.
  • 1 tablespoon milk To mix with powdered sugar for icing.
  • 1 cup colored sanding sugar For a festive sparkle.
  • 1/2 cup melted chocolate For dipping cookies.
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles To top the chocolate dipped cookies.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Roll the chilled dough onto a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  2. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are barely turning golden.
  4. Remove from oven and let cool before decorating.
Decorating
  1. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sanding sugar, or melted chocolate as desired.
  2. For icing, mix powdered sugar with milk and drizzle over cookies.
  3. Let decorations set before storing.

Notes

These cookies freeze well and can be made ahead of time. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.