Christmas time has always been my favorite season, and one of the traditions I look forward to the most is baking Christmas Butter Cookies with my family. It’s a ritual we’ve upheld for as long as I can remember, and the aroma of freshly-baked cookies wafting through the house is enough to transport me back to my childhood.
I can still picture myself as a little girl, standing on a stool next to my grandmother, carefully rolling out the dough and cutting out intricate shapes with an array of festive cookie cutters. The kitchen would be alive with laughter and chatter as we decorated the cookies with colorful sprinkles and edible glitter, each one a unique work of art. It was a time to bond, to create memories, and to fill our bellies with the most delicious Christmas Butter Cookies imaginable.
Even now, as an adult, I find myself craving those nostalgic flavors and the comforting feeling of baking Christmas Butter Cookies with my loved ones. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.
Table of Contents
Why This Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Butter Cookies
What sets this Christmas Butter Cookies recipe apart is the perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate sweetness. The secret lies in the use of high-quality butter and the addition of a touch of almond extract, which adds a subtle complexity that will have your family and friends asking for the recipe. Plus, the dough comes together in a flash, making this a quick and easy holiday baking project that the whole family can enjoy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Unsalted butter: The foundation of this recipe, providing the essential richness and flavor.
– Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a delightful crumbly texture.
– Egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
– Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
– Almond extract: Provides a subtle yet delightful depth of flavor.
– All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, giving the cookies their structure.
– Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
– Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Christmas Butter Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Butter Cookies
Baking Christmas Butter Cookies is a straightforward process that can be completed in under an hour. You’ll need a stand mixer or a hand mixer, a rolling pin, and an assortment of festive cookie cutters to bring your creations to life. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary equipment, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delectable Christmas Butter Cookies your loved ones have ever tasted.
1- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
4- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) to allow the flavors to develop and the dough to firm up.
5- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
6- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Butter Cookies turn out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
– Use a light hand when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
– Bake the cookies one sheet at a time for even cooking.
– Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven, as they can go from perfectly golden to over-baked quickly.
– Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Butter Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Butter Cookies
Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a cozy cup of coffee. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday dessert table, complementing other seasonal treats like gingerbread, peppermint bark, and eggnog. Serve them alongside a selection of festive cocktails, such as mulled wine or a classic Christmas punch, for a truly indulgent holiday experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Christmas Butter Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled cookies for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you want to get a head start on your holiday baking, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also bake the cookies and freeze them, then thaw and serve as needed throughout the holiday season.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Butter Cookies
Creative Christmas Butter Cookies Variations
While the classic Christmas Butter Cookies recipe is a surefire hit, you can easily put your own twist on it by experimenting with different flavors and decorations. Try adding a touch of lemon or orange zest to the dough, or swirl in a bit of peppermint extract for a festive minty twist. You can also top the cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a truly eye-catching presentation.
Making Christmas Butter Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Christmas Butter Cookies recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, use dairy-free butter and a flax or chia egg in place of the egg yolk, and sweeten the cookies with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter, I would recommend sticking to unsalted butter for this recipe. The added salt in salted butter can throw off the balance of flavors and make the cookies taste overly salty.
Q: How long do I need to chill the dough?
A: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You can also chill the dough for up to 3 days if you want to prepare it in advance.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, you can definitely freeze the baked and cooled Christmas Butter Cookies. Place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: The yield can vary depending on the size of your cookie cutters, but this recipe typically makes 2-3 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the shapes.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: If your cookies tend to spread, make sure you’re chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. You can also try adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the dough to help it hold its shape better during baking.
Christmas Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these quick and easy Christmas Butter Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
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
– Holiday-themed sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. – Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. – Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. – If desired, decorate the cooled cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles or decorations.
Notes
For a festive touch, you can add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Christmas Butter Cookies are a timeless holiday classic that have the power to transport you back to cherished memories of baking with loved ones. With this foolproof recipe, you can create the most delectable, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will become a new tradition in your home. So gather your family, crank up the holiday tunes, and let the magic of Christmas Butter Cookies fill your kitchen with the flavors and aromas of the season. I can’t wait to hear how your batch turns out – be sure to share your photos and feedback in the comments below!
