Nothing quite captures the joy and warmth of the holiday season like a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats boast a delicate crumb and a subtle hint of vanilla and almond that feels like a festive hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking with family or sharing with friends, this classic cookie recipe is a must-have for making your celebrations extra special and full of sweet memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving those perfect Christmas Butter Cookies. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the rich flavor, tender texture, and beautiful appearance that make these cookies so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a creamy texture that helps create that tender crumb you love.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly and helps cookies brown nicely in the oven.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s moistness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting flavor that enhances every bite.
- Almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty note that gives the cookies an extra special twist.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and that perfect tender bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the buttery flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or royal icing: Decorations that add charming festive flair to your finished cookies.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they become light and fluffy—a step that’s essential for achieving that glorious, tender texture. Using an electric mixer makes this a breeze and ensures everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract. Mixing these thoroughly into the butter and sugar mixture not only combines the ingredients but also infuses the dough with those beautiful, classic flavors that make the cookies unforgettable.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, or you risk developing gluten that may make your cookies tough instead of delightfully tender.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two portions and flatten each into a disc shape. Wrapping them in plastic wrap and chilling for at least one hour is a crucial step—it firms up the dough for easier rolling and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. This thickness strikes the perfect balance between delicacy and substantial bite. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your shaped cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until their edges turn a beautiful light golden color. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking; you want tender, not crispy, cookies! Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy
Once fully cooled, it’s time to get creative. Decorate your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe with holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or royal icing. This is the part where your cookies transform into dazzling seasonal treats that are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these butter cookies lies partly in how you dress them up. A simple sprinkle of colored sugar adds sparkle, while royal icing lets you paint delicate designs or write sweet messages. For an extra touch, consider adding edible glitter or small candy pearls that catch the light and lift your plate of cookies from delightful to spectacular.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or fresh brewed coffee—the classic drinks of the holiday season. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also complements the rich buttery flavors, turning the experience into a mini dessert feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn simple butter cookies into a centerpiece. Arrange them on a festive platter with fresh evergreen sprigs, or wrap stacks of cookies in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon for gifting. You can also layer them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper to keep them fresh and lend a charming vintage touch to your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Butter Cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them separate from strong-smelling foods will preserve their delicate buttery aroma and taste.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead for the holiday rush, freeze unbaked dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in airtight containers for a month without losing any of their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your butter cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This gentle heat refreshes their soft texture and brightens the buttery aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla extract?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap almond extract for vanilla for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. You can also use just vanilla extract alone if you want a more classic taste.
How do I prevent my butter cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting is the best way to prevent excessive spreading. Also, using room temperature (not melted) butter helps maintain structure during baking.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Using salted butter is possible, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter is recommended because it gives you greater control over the saltiness of the cookies.
What are some fun shapes or motifs for Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe?
Classic holiday shapes like stars, snowflakes, Christmas trees, and candy canes work beautifully. You can also get creative with hearts, bells, or even personalized shapes for a unique touch.
How long can I keep the decorated cookies fresh?
Decorated cookies generally stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature, especially if icing is used. Store them in airtight containers and avoid stacking to preserve the decorations.
Final Thoughts
Making the Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments that fill your kitchen with warmth and love. The simple ingredients come together to form magical, festive cookies that bring smiles to everyone lucky enough to enjoy them. So grab your apron and get ready to bake your way into holiday happiness—these cookies will surely become a treasured tradition in your celebrations.
