Christmas butter cookies are a must-have for any festive celebration. Their soft texture and delightful flavor make them the perfect treat to pair with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Decorating them with holiday themes is a fun activity for the whole family. Follow this easy recipe and enjoy a festive dessert that everyone will love.
What Are Christmas Butter Cookies?
These cookies are a variation of traditional butter cookies, shaped and decorated with holiday-themed cutters and toppings. The base dough is simple and versatile, perfect for cutting into shapes like trees, stars, or gingerbread men. You can personalize them with icing, colorful sprinkles, or decorative sugar.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Easy to make: No need for complicated ingredients or advanced techniques.
- Customizable: Decorate them however you like, making them great for family fun.
- Perfect for gifting: A sweet, homemade treat everyone will enjoy.
- Long-lasting: They stay fresh for several days when stored properly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) butter, at room temperature.
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar.
- 1 large egg.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- Decorations of your choice: Icing, sprinkles, colored sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt at low speed until you form a smooth dough.
2. Chill and Roll the Dough
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch (5 mm) thickness.
3. Cut and Bake
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small gap between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
4. Cool and Decorate
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar as desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies with hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog for a festive treat.
- Arrange them in gift boxes or jars for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions
- Unbaked dough: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.
- Baked cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
- Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Why did my cookies lose their shape?
Ensure the dough is chilled before rolling and cutting. Over-softened dough can spread during baking.
What icing works best for decorating?
Royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze works beautifully for these cookies.
These Christmas butter cookies are a delicious and versatile holiday treat that’s perfect for baking with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or give them as gifts, they’re sure to bring festive cheer. Try this recipe and let us know how you decorate your cookies!
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Christmas Butter Cookies: A Classic and Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 30 cookies (depending on cutter size)
Description
Deliciously soft and buttery Christmas cookies, perfect for decorating with icing and sprinkles. A festive treat that’s simple to make and ideal for holiday celebrations or gifting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) butter, at room temperature.
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar.
- 1 large egg.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- Optional decorations: Icing, sprinkles, colored sugar.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill and Roll:
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one portion on a floured surface to about ¼ inch (5 mm) thickness.
- Cut and Bake:
- Use cookie cutters to cut festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate:
- Decorate the cooled cookies with icing, sprinkles, or sugar as desired.
Notes
- To prevent spreading, ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.
- For even baking, use similar-sized cookie cutters and leave enough space between cookies.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~120 per cookie (decorations not included)