Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like the warmth of baking *Christmas butter cookies* with family. I can still remember the delight on my kids’ faces as we rolled out the dough, their little hands sprinkling colored sugar everywhere. It’s a beautiful mess, but trust me, it’s worth every sprinkle! These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a buttery flavor that just screams festive cheer. Plus, they’re so versatile—you can easily add your favorite extracts or sprinkles to give them a personal touch. Making these cookies has become a cherished tradition in my home, filling our kitchen with sweet aromas and our hearts with joy. So grab your loved ones, and let’s dive into this delicious holiday adventure together!
Ingredients for Christmas Butter Cookies
You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your delicious *Christmas butter cookies*. Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup sprinkles or colored sugar for topping
Trust me, having all your ingredients prepped and measured out makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Butter Cookies
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get these *Christmas butter cookies* baking! Follow my simple steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful treat in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A warm oven also helps those delightful flavors come together beautifully!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want that lovely airy texture because it helps your cookies melt in your mouth. Trust me, this step is key!
Mixing in the Extracts
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, it’s time to add the magic! Pour in the vanilla and almond extracts, and mix well until everything is combined. You’ll love the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the flour and salt to your buttery mixture. I like to do this in parts to avoid a flour explosion! Mix just until combined—overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
Shaping the Cookies
Next, it’s time to shape your dough! Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread. Press each ball down slightly and sprinkle those colorful sprinkles on top for that festive touch!
Baking the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft—that’s how you know they’ll be melt-in-your-mouth perfect! Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sweet smell filling your home!
FAQ About Christmas Butter Cookies
If you’ve got questions about making the best *Christmas butter cookies*, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re baking.
Can I use different extracts?
Absolutely! You can mix it up by using different extracts like coconut or peppermint for a fun twist. Each extract will change the flavor profile, giving your cookies a unique personality. Just remember to stick to the same measurements for balance!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for about a week! If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely double the recipe! Just make sure you have a big enough bowl for mixing, and keep an eye on the baking time, as larger batches may take a minute or two longer. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 27 minutes!
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will adore
- Perfectly festive for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Fun to make with family and friends, creating joyful memories
- Versatile—mix in your favorite extracts for a personal touch
Tips for Success with Christmas Butter Cookies
To ensure your *Christmas butter cookies* turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! First off, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This is super important because softened butter blends better with the sugar, leading to that delightful, fluffy texture we’re after. Also, don’t skip the step of measuring your flour correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
Another key point is to keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so I recommend checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time. You want them to be lightly golden at the edges while still soft in the middle. Lastly, let them cool fully on a wire rack; this helps them set and keeps them from getting soggy. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. However, here’s a typical breakdown for each delightful *Christmas butter cookie*:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed guilt-free during the festive season! Just remember to savor each melt-in-your-mouth bite!
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these scrumptious *Christmas butter cookies*, I’d love to hear all about your baking adventures! Did you add your own twist with different extracts or sprinkles? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I can’t wait to read them!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to rate it! Your feedback helps me create more delightful treats for you and others to enjoy. And don’t forget to spread the joy of baking—snap a picture of your cookies and share it on social media! Tag me so we can celebrate your cookie creations together. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Christmas Butter Cookies That Melt Hearts in 27 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas butter cookies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts, mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Press each ball slightly and top with sprinkles.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Try adding different flavors or extracts for variety.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas butter cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies
