Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe

These Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With their rich, buttery flavor and soft texture, they are ideal for gift-giving, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies will surely become a festive tradition in your home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with icing or sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Add-ins: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor profile.
• Decorating Ideas: Decorate with royal icing, colorful sprinkles, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
• Chilled Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to roll, chill it for 30 minutes before cutting out shapes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months, or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat these cookies, but you can briefly warm them in the microwave if you prefer.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from being too salty.
2. Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling the dough isn’t necessary, but it can make the dough easier to roll out and help the cookies keep their shape.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Ensure that your dough is well-chilled, and avoid overmixing it, as this can lead to spreading.
4. Can I use different cookie cutters? Yes! Feel free to use any holiday-shaped cookie cutters to suit the occasion.
5. How do I store leftover cookies? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and baking.
7. Can I freeze the cookies before baking? Yes, freeze the cookie dough shapes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or bag for long-term storage.
8. Can I make these cookies without using egg? Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) or another egg replacer.
9. Do I need to use parchment paper for baking? Parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, but it’s not mandatory. You can also grease the baking sheet lightly.
10. What can I use to decorate the cookies? Icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a dusting of powdered sugar work great for decorating Christmas Butter Cookies.

Conclusion

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a must-try this holiday season. Simple to make, delicious, and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you keep them plain or get creative with festive decorations, they are bound to spread holiday cheer with every bite!

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