Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine and spices, and laughter echoes around the kitchen. One of my favorite traditions is baking christmas butter cookies with my family. It’s such a joy to gather around, mixing ingredients and sharing stories while the cookies bake to golden perfection. Trust me, these cookies are a treat that melts in your mouth, bringing warmth and sweetness to any holiday gathering. They’re simple to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. So, let’s dive into this festive recipe that will surely become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare *Christmas Butter Cookies*
Making these delightful christmas butter cookies is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will fill your home with the sweetest aroma of the holidays.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar. You want it to be nice and smooth, so take your time here.
- Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor and richness to your cookies.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Don’t overdo it; we want tender cookies!
- Now, roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space to spread out.
- Using a fork, gently flatten each ball. It’s a fun step that also gives your cookies those cute fork marks!
- Bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
- Finally, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These christmas butter cookies are not just delicious; they’re the perfect blend of simplicity and festive cheer! Here’s why you’ll adore making them:
- Quick and easy preparation—just 15 minutes of prep time!
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that leaves everyone wanting more.
- Perfect for decorating with icing or sprinkles for that extra holiday flair.
- Great for gifting or sharing at holiday parties—everyone loves cookies!
- Versatile enough to adapt with your favorite flavors or spices.
- A delightful aroma that fills your home with the spirit of Christmas.
Tips for Success
To make the best christmas butter cookies, here are a few handy tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this is key for that creamy texture. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling—this helps with shaping and prevents spreading. Also, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; every oven is different, and you want those edges just golden, not brown. Lastly, feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or spices for a personalized touch. Trust me, each little tweak can take your cookies to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following information provides a general idea of what to expect for each cookie. These typical values are estimated for a serving size of one cookie, so you can enjoy your christmas butter cookies with a little knowledge of their nutritional content!
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
FAQ Section
Can I freeze *christmas butter cookies*?
Absolutely! Freezing your christmas butter cookies is super easy and a great way to enjoy them later. Just let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer bag. If you’re stacking them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat—just enjoy that fresh taste!
What can I use to decorate *christmas butter cookies*?
Oh, decorating is one of the most fun parts! You can use royal icing for a classic look, or if you want something simpler, a powdered sugar glaze works wonders. Sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed candy canes can add that festive touch. You could also use melted chocolate for drizzling or dipping. Just let your imagination run wild—these cookies are a blank canvas for holiday cheer!
How can I make these cookies healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up your christmas butter cookies, there are several swaps you can try! For starters, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option. You can also reduce the sugar by about a third without compromising too much on taste. If you want to go a step further, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. Just remember, even with these adjustments, the key is to keep that buttery goodness that makes these cookies so delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious christmas butter cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them as well. Just make sure they’re completely cool, then layer them in a container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They’ll stay delightful for up to three months in the freezer.
If you find yourself wanting a warm cookie later, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Enjoy every crumb!
Serving Suggestions
For the ultimate festive experience, pair your delightful christmas butter cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cocoa or a rich, creamy eggnog. The chocolatey warmth of the cocoa beautifully complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, while eggnog adds a classic holiday touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—imagine that warm, soft cookie melting into the cold creaminess! And don’t forget about a cozy cup of chai tea; its spices will enhance the flavors of the cookies perfectly. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a quiet evening at home, these pairings will elevate your cookie enjoyment to a whole new level!
Christmas Butter Cookies: 7 Tips for Irresistible Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas butter cookies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball with a fork.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas butter cookies
