It’s that time of year again – the air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the scent of freshly baked Christmas Butter Cookies is wafting through the house. I can practically smell them now, those buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats that have been a holiday tradition in my family for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, my grandma’s kitchen was a veritable Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The countertops would be dusted with flour, and the oven would be working overtime, churning out batch after batch of her famous Christmas Butter Cookies. I can still picture myself, a little girl with my nose pressed against the glass, watching in awe as she rolled and cut the dough into the most adorable shapes – Christmas trees, snowflakes, even little Santa Claus figurines.
The best part, though, was when the cookies came out of the oven, all golden and fragrant. Grandma would let me sneak a few, still warm, and I’d carefully take a bite, savoring the buttery richness and the delicate crunch. It was like taking a bite of Christmas itself. Those memories are so special to me, and I’m so grateful to be able to carry on the tradition with my own family.
Why This Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
That’s why I’m so excited to share my grandma’s Christmas Butter Cookies recipe with you. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and deliciousness, and I promise it’ll become your new holiday go-to.
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Butter Cookies
The key to these Christmas Butter Cookies is the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and flour. Grandma’s secret was using high-quality butter and taking the time to cream it until it’s light and fluffy. That’s what gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture. And the addition of a touch of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt takes the flavor to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter: The star of the show! Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Christmas Butter Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Butter Cookies
Ready to get baking? This Christmas Butter Cookies recipe is super easy to make, and it’s the perfect activity to do with the whole family. It’ll take you about an hour from start to finish, and all you’ll need is a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a baking sheet.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3- Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4- Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
5- Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6- Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Christmas Butter Cookies is to not overbake them. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and take them out as soon as the edges start to turn golden brown. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your cookie cutters – the more festive, the better!
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Butter Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Butter Cookies
These Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a steaming cup of mulled wine. They also make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter, alongside other festive favorites like gingerbread or snowball cookies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Christmas Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can even freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Butter Cookies
Creative Christmas Butter Cookies Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to your Christmas Butter Cookies. You can also dip them in melted chocolate or roll them in colored sugar for an extra festive touch.
Making Christmas Butter Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Christmas Butter Cookies recipe. Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and use a plant-based butter substitute to make them dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter, I’d recommend sticking with unsalted. That way, you can control the amount of salt in the recipe and get the perfect balance of flavors.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out?
A: There’s no need to chill the dough for this recipe. Just roll it out and cut the shapes as soon as the dough comes together.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Absolutely! Christmas Butter Cookies freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: The yield will depend on the size of your cookie cutters, but this recipe should give you around 24-30 Christmas Butter Cookies.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: If your cookies are spreading, it’s likely because the butter was too soft or the dough was overworked. Make sure to use room-temperature butter and be gentle when mixing the dough.
Christmas Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Bake up a batch of these easy, restaurant-quality Christmas Butter Cookies for your holiday celebrations. Enjoy the classic buttery flavors in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Festive sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6. Scoop dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. 7. Use a fork to gently flatten each cookie and create a criss-cross pattern.
8. 8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 9. Remove from oven and immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10. Decorate with festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations, if desired.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Christmas Butter Cookies to get you into the holiday spirit. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create those same cherished memories that I have from my childhood, filling your home with the warm, buttery scent of Christmas. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and let’s get baking!
