There’s something special about Christmas Butter Cookies that captures the spirit of the holiday season perfectly. Whether you’re drawn in by their buttery richness, the joy of colorful sprinkles, or the nostalgic aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake, these cookies are a festive treat that everyone loves. This recipe is the epitome of simple elegance, where basic pantry ingredients transform into a delightful dessert, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the comforting flavors of vanilla and almond extracts.
Picturing a plate of these classic cookies adorned with vibrant sprinkles is enough to evoke memories of holiday cheer and joyful gatherings. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting to friends and neighbors, or simply indulging in yourself with a warm cup of cocoa. Moreover, their uncomplicated preparation makes them an ideal project for family baking sessions, inviting everyone to join in the holiday fun. With minimal effort and maximum reward, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire. Their timeless appeal and festive decoration make them a surefire way to bring smiles and warmth to any holiday occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
- Buttery Delight: These cookies offer a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth, making them irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: With ingredients you likely already have at home, this recipe is convenient and quick to whip up.
- Festive Appearance: The colorful sprinkles add a cheerful touch, perfect for any holiday table or as a homemade gift.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 25 minutes, these cookies are a fast and satisfying treat for busy holiday schedules.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the decorations to suit specific holiday themes or personal tastes.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the creation of these delightful Christmas Butter Cookies, it’s important to set up your kitchen for success. Start by ensuring your work area is clean and organized. You will need a few essential tools: a sturdy mixing bowl, electric mixer, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a cooling rack. Having these items ready will streamline your baking process.
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the dough is ready to bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup. Take out the unsalted butter ahead of time to let it soften at room temperature; this will help it mix more smoothly with sugar, creating a light and fluffy batter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar for decorating
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a consistent temperature. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking and facilitate easy transfer.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium-high until it becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2–3 minutes, giving your cookies a tender texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Continue to beat the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, ensuring that the flavors meld together nicely.
Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly until a smooth dough forms. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect cookie consistency.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
Roll the dough into balls roughly 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball and sprinkle with your chosen colored sprinkles or sanding sugar, enhancing their festive look.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden color. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Variations
- Protein: While the basic recipe remains vegetarian, you can make a nutty twist by adding finely chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy texture.
- Vegetables: Though unconventional for cookies, you might explore using sweetened pumpkin or carrot puree for a subtle earthiness and moisture.
- Spices: Consider incorporating warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough to complement the holiday spirit. These will add depth to the flavor profile of your cookies.
Cooking Notes
- This recipe calls for unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in your cookies. If you only have salted butter, you may want to skip additional salt.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should be removed from the oven as soon as the edges begin to brown lightly to ensure they remain tender.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cookies with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
- Arrange them on a festive platter for a Christmas party or as a centerpiece on your dessert table.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft while shaping, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for a short period to firm up.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100 calories
- Protein: 1 gram
- Sodium: 30 milligrams
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough directly in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will remain fresh for up to a week. Ensure they are completely cooled before packaging to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess.
Can I substitute almond extract?
Certainly! If you have nut allergies or simply don’t prefer the taste, you can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract or try using an alternative flavor such as lemon or orange extract for a citrus twist.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
To enhance the festive appearance, consider adding red and green food coloring to the dough, or drizzling cooled cookies with white chocolate and festive sprinkles.
Conclusion
Incorporating homemade holiday treats like these Christmas Butter Cookies into your celebrations adds a personal touch that store-bought goodies simply can’t match. Easy to prepare and filled with the rich flavors of vanilla and almond, they provide a festive flair that makes them perfect for gifting or enjoying alongside loved ones. We encourage you to experiment with different variations or add a personal twist to suit your unique taste preferences. With their delightful appearance and mouth-watering aroma, these cookies are sure to become a treasured part of your holiday traditions. We’d love to hear how your baking experience goes, so please feel free to leave a comment or share your cookies with us on social media. Happy holidays and happy baking!
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Christmas Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
There’s something special about Christmas Butter Cookies that captures the spirit of the holiday season perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a consistent temperature. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking and facilitate easy transfer.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium-high until it becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2–3 minutes, giving your cookies a tender texture.
- Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla and almond extracts. Continue to beat the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, ensuring that the flavors meld together nicely.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly until a smooth dough forms. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect cookie consistency.
- Roll the dough into balls roughly 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball and sprinkle with your chosen colored sprinkles or sanding sugar, enhancing their festive look.
- Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden color. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
These cookies can be frozen for later use, and they stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 100 calories
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Protein: 1 g