Christmas Butter Cookies

These delightful Christmas butter cookies are perfect for celebrating the holiday season! With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery flavor, these cookies are a festive treat that’s easy to make and decorate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends and family, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Requires pantry staples you likely already have.
• Easy to Customize: Add festive decorations, shapes, or flavors to suit your style.
• Perfect Texture: Crisp edges with a soft, buttery center.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Store well for holiday gifting or parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to make it easier to handle.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Shape the Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. Decorate: Once completely cool, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time).
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes.

Variations

• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
• Spiced: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a bright, zesty twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months or the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before baking or serving.
• Reheating: Warm cookies slightly in a microwave for 5-10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so it’s recommended.

2. What type of butter should I use?

Unsalted butter is best to control the salt content, but salted butter can work if you omit the added salt in the recipe.

3. Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer is ideal for creaming the butter and sugar efficiently.

4. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the rolling pin?

Lightly flour the rolling pin and work surface to avoid sticking.

5. What kind of decorations work best?

Royal icing, colored sugar, sprinkles, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully.

6. Can I add food coloring to the dough?

Yes, divide the dough and add a few drops of food coloring for festive colors.

7. Why are my cookies crumbly?

Overmixing or using too much flour can make the cookies crumbly. Measure flour accurately and mix just until combined.

8. Can I use this dough for a cookie press?

Yes, this recipe works well with a cookie press for making intricate shapes.

9. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags for a thoughtful holiday gift.

10. How can I make the cookies softer?

For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies by reducing the baking time by a minute or two.

Conclusion

Christmas butter cookies are a timeless holiday classic that’s easy to make and loved by all. With their buttery flavor, versatility, and beautiful decorations, they’re perfect for every festive occasion. Try this recipe and make your holidays even sweeter!

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