It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means – it’s cookie season! I can practically smell the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked Buttercream Christmas Cookies wafting through the air. Growing up, this was always one of my favorite holiday traditions.
My grandma had this special recipe that she’d been perfecting for decades, and every Christmas Eve, the whole family would gather in her cozy little kitchen to help mix the dough, roll out the cookies, and decorate them with vibrant sprinkles and shimmering edible glitter. It was such a joyful, messy, and utterly delicious process. I can still picture my sister and I giggling as we tried to carefully pipe the perfect swirls of fluffy buttercream frosting onto each and every Buttercream Christmas Cookie.
Those Buttercream Christmas Cookies were the centerpiece of our holiday celebrations – we’d set out a beautifully arranged platter of them for Santa, of course, but they were also perfect for sharing with neighbors, bringing to holiday parties, and enjoying alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Even now, years later, the taste of those Buttercream Christmas Cookies instantly transports me back to the warmth and wonder of my childhood Christmases.
Why This Buttercream Christmas Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Buttercream Christmas Cookies
I’m so excited to share my grandma’s famous Buttercream Christmas Cookies recipe with you today. This isn’t your average sugar cookie – these Buttercream Christmas Cookies are truly something special. The secret lies in the rich, creamy buttercream frosting that’s piped onto each and every cookie. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and indulgent, and it melts in your mouth with every bite. Plus, the process of making these Buttercream Christmas Cookies is surprisingly easy, so you can whip up batch after batch to share with your loved ones.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible Buttercream Christmas Cookies, you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter – This is the foundation of the buttercream frosting, so be sure to use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioner’s sugar, this will give the buttercream its signature silky-smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract – For that classic vanilla flavor that pairs so perfectly with the butter and sugar.
- Flour – All-purpose flour works great for the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar – This sweetens the cookie dough.
- Eggs – Helps bind the dough together.
- Baking powder – Gives the cookies a lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Buttercream Christmas Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Making these Buttercream Christmas Cookies is a breeze! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tray of perfectly piped, festively decorated cookies ready to share. The total prep and bake time is about 1 hour, and you’ll need a hand mixer, a piping bag, and a few basic baking tools.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
3- Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes. Once chilled, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
4- Use your favorite holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Transfer the shaped cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before frosting.
6- For the buttercream frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe swirls or rosettes onto each cooled cookie. Finish with a sprinkle of festive sprinkles or edible glitter.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Buttercream Christmas Cookies is all in the technique. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time:
– Chill the dough before rolling and cutting – this helps the cookies hold their shape.
– Use unsalted butter for the smoothest, creamiest buttercream frosting.
– Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
– Pipe the buttercream frosting in a continuous spiral, starting from the outside and working your way in.
– Avoid over-mixing the dough, which can lead to tough, dry cookies.
– Be generous with the sprinkles and edible glitter – the more holiday sparkle, the better!
Serving and Storing Your Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Buttercream Christmas Cookies
These Buttercream Christmas Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled wine, and they also make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert spread. I love bringing a big batch of these cookies to Christmas parties or gifting them to neighbors and coworkers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Buttercream Christmas Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before frosting and decorating. You can also make the buttercream frosting in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to pipe it onto the cookies.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Creative Buttercream Christmas Cookies Variations
The great thing about this Buttercream Christmas Cookies recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can play around with different cookie cutter shapes, frosting colors, and sprinkle combinations to suit any holiday theme or personal preference. Try swapping out the vanilla extract for peppermint, almond, or even citrus flavors. You could also experiment with different types of buttercream, like chocolate or cream cheese frosting. And for an extra festive touch, you can even dip the frosted cookies in melted white chocolate before adding the sprinkles.
Making Buttercream Christmas Cookies Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Buttercream Christmas Cookies a little more diet-friendly, there are a few easy substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk in the buttercream frosting. And for a lower-carb option, you can replace some of the granulated sugar in the cookie dough with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the buttercream frosting?
A: I don’t recommend using salted butter, as it can make the frosting taste unbalanced and overly salty. Unsalted butter allows you to better control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough before rolling and cutting?
A: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential for helping it hold its shape when you cut out the cookie shapes. You can chill it for up to 2 hours if needed.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Buttercream Christmas Cookies?
A: Yes, you can absolutely freeze the unfrosted baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before piping on the buttercream frosting.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24-30 Buttercream Christmas Cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. You can easily double or triple the batch if you need to feed a crowd.
Q: What if my buttercream frosting seems too thick or too thin?
A: If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a teaspoon or two of milk or cream and beating it in. If it’s too thin, simply mix in a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Buttercream Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with these Buttercream Christmas Cookies! Delicately piped with creamy buttercream and dusted with festive sprinkles, these cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Red and green sprinkles or decorations
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. 4. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
5. 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. 6. In a medium bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
7. 7. Pipe or spoon the buttercream onto the cooled cookies, then top with the festive sprinkles or decorations.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a softer cookie, bake for a shorter time. Experiment with different buttercream flavors, such as peppermint or eggnog, for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking Buttercream Christmas Cookies with your loved ones during the holiday season. This recipe is a time-honored family tradition that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home too. The rich, creamy buttercream frosting paired with the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dough is an unbeatable combination.
I can’t wait for you to try making these Buttercream Christmas Cookies – I know they’ll fill your kitchen with that nostalgic holiday aroma and bring so much happiness to your celebrations. Be sure to tag me on social media if you make a batch, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Merry Christmas and happy baking!
