Christmas Butter Cookies

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy homemade treats, and butter cookies are a classic favorite. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery flavor, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe for Christmas butter cookies, guaranteed to bring cheer to your festivities.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Butter Cookies

• Classic Flavor: These cookies are rich, buttery, and subtly sweet.
• Easy to Customize: Use festive cookie cutters and colorful decorations to make them uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great as gifts or for a cookie exchange.
• Kids-Friendly: A fun and engaging activity for the whole family.

Ingredients for Christmas Butter Cookies

To make approximately 24 cookies, you’ll need:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a nutty twist)
• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: Food coloring, sprinkles, and icing for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

2. Chill the Dough

• Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to make it easier to roll out and cut.

3. Cut Out the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes, etc.) to cut out shapes.
4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small gap between them.

4. Bake

• Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft texture.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Decorate

• Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Let your creativity shine!

Tips for Perfect Christmas Butter Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of the butter is key to achieving the rich, classic taste.
2. Chill the Dough: This prevents spreading during baking and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
3. Get Creative: Try adding food coloring to the dough for a festive twist or experiment with different icing designs.
4. Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving and Gifting Ideas

• Serving: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats.
• Gifting: Package them in decorative tins or clear cellophane bags tied with a holiday ribbon.
• Cookie Exchange: These cookies are a crowd-pleaser and look stunning on any dessert table.

Conclusion

Christmas butter cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining simplicity, flavor, and festive charm. Whether you’re baking them for your family or sharing them with friends, this recipe is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.

Serving and Storage Tips for Christmas Butter Cookies

Serving Tips

1. Festive Presentation: Arrange your Christmas butter cookies on a decorative holiday platter or tiered serving tray. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
2. Cookie Assortment: Pair the butter cookies with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, chocolate truffles, or peppermint bark for a varied dessert spread.
3. Warm Pairings: Serve the cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or mulled wine for a cozy holiday vibe.
4. Gifting: Wrap a few cookies in decorative tins or holiday-themed boxes. Add a handwritten tag or ribbon to make the gift more personal.
5. Cookie Exchange: Bring these cookies to a holiday cookie swap to wow your friends and family with their taste and design.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
2. Refrigeration: If you’ve decorated your cookies with icing or perishable toppings, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 10 days.
3. Freezing:
   • Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
   • Cookie Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out and baking.
4. Prevent Dryness: Add a small piece of bread or a slice of apple to the storage container to help keep the cookies soft and fresh.

By following these serving and storage tips, your Christmas butter cookies will stay as delightful as the day they were baked!

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap. If you need to store it longer, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.

2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading during baking?

The key is to chill the dough. Refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before rolling out and cutting shapes. Additionally, ensure your baking sheet is cool and not warm from previous batches.

3. Can I decorate the cookies before baking?

Yes! You can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, nonpareils, or edible glitter before baking for a simple look. For intricate designs, bake the cookies first and decorate with icing and sprinkles once cooled.

4. What can I do if I don’t have cookie cutters?

No cookie cutters? No problem! Use a glass to cut out round cookies or shape the dough into a log, refrigerate it, and slice it into discs for baking. You can also get creative with freehand shapes using a knife.

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