Description

The Christmas Butter Cookies are a delightful classic that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season. These sweet, buttery treats are often found gracing cookie platters at festive gatherings, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of Christmases past. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or for indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea or hot cocoa.

What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility. You can decorate them with colorful icing, sprinkle them with festive sugar, or leave them plain for a simple yet satisfying treat. The process of making these cookies is incredibly straightforward, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, the joy of rolling out dough and cutting out festive shapes is a holiday tradition that everyone can enjoy. Plus, the enticing aroma that fills your home while they bake is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

Ingredients

• For the cookie dough:
• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For decoration (optional):
• Royal icing or fondant
• Colored sugar or sprinkles
• Edible glitter

Preparation Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and have that perfect golden color. While the oven is warming up, take a large mixing bowl and combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream these ingredients together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial; the air incorporated during this process will help create a tender cookie.

Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. The dough should start coming together beautifully, with a rich, creamy appearance. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Once your dough comes together, it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight if you can wait! Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to roll out.

When you're ready to bake, take one disc of dough out of the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes—stars, trees, or even gingerbread men are all great choices. Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between each one, as they will spread slightly during baking.

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is where the magic happens; as they cool, they’ll develop a delightful texture that’s both crispy and tender.

If you want to decorate your cookies, now is the time to get creative! You can use royal icing to pipe intricate designs or simply cover them in colored sugar for a festive look. If you choose to use fondant, roll it out and cut it into shapes to place on your cookies. Sprinkle them with edible glitter for that extra holiday sparkle!

Tips and Conclusion

For an added twist, consider flavoring your butter cookies with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or even citrus zest for a refreshing note. These variations can make your cookies stand out and add a unique taste that everyone will love. If you want to store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully; just layer them between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.



Baking Christmas Butter Cookies is not just about creating delicious treats; it's about the experience of coming together with loved ones and creating something special. The joy of rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, and decorating each cookie brings smiles and laughter, making it a cherished holiday tradition. As you enjoy these delightful cookies, consider exploring other festive recipes on our site, like Gingerbread Men or Peppermint Bark, to further enrich your holiday celebrations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—after all, the joy of baking is meant to be shared! Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with sweet moments and delicious cookies!