If you’re dreaming of a classic treat that perfectly captures the cozy, festive spirit of the holidays, then this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are beautifully crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and bursting with rich buttery flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own sweet tooth, these buttery delights bring that nostalgic charm and simple elegance to your seasonal celebrations like nothing else.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe, the magic starts with a handful of simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter creating a tender texture to the vanilla adding a subtle aroma that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup white sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps with gentle browning.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that complements the buttery base.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and helps create that classic cookie chew.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a subtle lift for a delicate texture without puffing the cookies up too much.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-preheated oven ensures your Christmas Butter Cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden hue every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process traps air and is key for the light, tender texture that you want in a butter cookie.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract. The egg binds everything together while the vanilla gives that irresistible aroma that will remind you of holiday kitchens past.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into your creamed mixture, stirring slowly to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small, even-sized balls. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets — no greasing needed because the cookies release easily thanks to the butter content.
Step 6: Flatten and Bake
Flatten each dough ball gently with a fork, creating a signature crosshatch pattern. Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once your Christmas Butter Cookies are baked, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is important to let the cookies set so they stay crisp and don’t crumble.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Christmas Butter Cookies really stand out, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter for a festive touch. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and then sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed candy canes for a fun holiday twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of holiday spiced tea, hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, or even a frothy latte. They are also delightful alongside a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and fresh fruit, offering a sweet balance to savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Christmas Butter Cookies on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand for that charming holiday vibe. Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a red or green ribbon for lovely homemade gifts that your loved ones will treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Christmas Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their texture crisp. They will stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to refresh your cookies after storage or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their crispness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
Butter is essential in the Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe for its rich flavor and texture. Margarine lacks the same taste and may result in less tender cookies, so it’s best to stick with real butter if possible.
Why do I need to use baking powder in butter cookies?
Baking powder gives the cookies a slight lift, preventing them from becoming too dense or hard. It helps in creating that perfect balance between crisp edges and a tender bite.
How can I make my cookies more festive?
Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar before baking or use holiday-themed cookie cutters if you want shaped cookies. Decorating with royal icing or sprinkles after baking also adds a bright, cheerful look.
Is it okay to use salted butter for this recipe?
You can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance in the Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and bake the cookies in batches. Be sure to monitor baking times closely, as oven temperatures can fluctuate with larger loads.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth, nostalgia, and joy to your holiday kitchen. They’re simple enough for bakers of all levels yet flavorful enough to impress everyone gathered around. So grab your mixing bowl, and start baking these buttery delights to make your season extra special.
Print
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Christmas Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and tender with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they are easy to make and bake into golden, fork-flattened delights that melt in your mouth. Ideal for sharing or gifting during the festive season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the dough, ensuring even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, creating a light base for your cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute them evenly before gradually stirring this into the wet ingredients to form a smooth dough.
- Form Dough Balls. Roll the dough into small, even-sized balls and arrange them spaced apart on ungreased cookie sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Dough Balls. Use a fork to gently press down each ball, creating a patterned, flat surface that helps them bake evenly.
- Bake Cookies. Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies are set.
- Cool Cookies. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Use softened butter, not melted, for the ideal texture in cookies.
- Do not grease the cookie sheets, as the butter in the dough prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp base.
- Flatten the cookies evenly to ensure uniform baking and a classic fork pattern.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
