If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday treat that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat, these Christmas Butter Cookies are your new go-to! With their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery flavor, and festive sprinkles, they capture the magic of the season in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie swap, gifting them to neighbors, or simply enjoying them with a mug of cocoa, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face and fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Butter Cookies is how a handful of simple, classic ingredients come together for a cookie that’s truly special. Each one plays a starring role—creating that signature tender crumb, subtle sweetness, and beautiful color that make these cookies irresistible. Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The heart and soul of the cookie, butter gives richness, flavor, and that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a delicate golden edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the cookies their soft, chewy center.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that makes these cookies feel extra festive.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure, ensuring your cookies hold their shape whether rolled or pressed.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle lift for a light, airy bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar: The finishing touch! Sprinkles add color, crunch, and a dose of holiday joy.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking magic. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup a breeze. Getting everything set up before you start mixing means you can work efficiently and keep that holiday spirit high.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy mixture that almost looks whipped. This step is what gives Christmas Butter Cookies their signature lightness, so don’t rush it! Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results, and scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and combined. This is where the dough starts to smell amazing—like pure holiday nostalgia!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, so each cookie bakes up just right. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Step 5: Shape and Decorate
If your dough feels a bit soft, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Otherwise, divide the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls, or use a cookie press for those classic festive shapes. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets, gently flatten each one, and top generously with holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for that unmistakable Christmas Butter Cookies look.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. Be careful not to overbake—you want that soft, buttery texture! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate for an extra-festive touch.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, I love adding a final dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate once the cookies have cooled. Edible gold stars or silver dragees can make your Christmas Butter Cookies truly sparkle at any holiday gathering. The key is to have fun and let your creativity shine!
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced chai, or even a creamy eggnog. If you’re serving dessert after a festive meal, try arranging the cookies alongside a fruit platter or a bowl of peppermint ice cream—the flavors play off each other in the best way.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Christmas Butter Cookies a starring role by stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts, or arrange them in a festive tin lined with parchment paper. For parties, set up a cookie decorating bar with extra sprinkles and colored icing so guests can customize their own treats—it’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra fresh, layer parchment or wax paper between the cookies—this prevents sticking and keeps those sprinkles looking vibrant.
Freezing
Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully! Freeze unbaked dough balls or shaped cookies on a sheet tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked cookies can also be frozen—just be sure they’re completely cool, and separate layers with parchment for best results.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy that just-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll taste fresh and buttery, just like the day you made them. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies too soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. The cookies will be just as delicious, with a slightly more pronounced buttery flavor.
Do I need a cookie press for Christmas Butter Cookies?
No special equipment required! You can simply roll the dough into balls and flatten them, or use a fork for a crisscross pattern. A cookie press is fun for festive shapes, but not essential.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough feels very soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping. This helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps those decorative details crisp.
Can I add other flavors or extracts?
Definitely! Almond extract or a touch of citrus zest are fantastic additions. Feel free to experiment and make your Christmas Butter Cookies your own.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd or preparing gift boxes. Just use a large enough bowl and mix in batches if needed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Christmas Butter Cookies as much as I do—they’re a true holiday classic that’s always a hit with family and friends. So gather your favorite sprinkles, turn on some festive tunes, and start baking memories that will last for years to come!
Print
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Christmas Butter Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft and flavorful, they are easy to make and decorated with festive sprinkles or colored sugar to add a cheerful touch to your holiday cookie tray.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Divide the dough into portions and roll into 1-inch balls, or alternatively, use a cookie press to create festive holiday shapes.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.
- Decorate: Sprinkle holiday sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the flattened dough to give a festive look.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white or dark chocolate.
- If the dough feels too soft to shape easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling or pressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
