Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to bake during the holiday season. With their simple ingredients and festive shapes, these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies will become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles or enjoying them plain, they make a delightful addition to any holiday spread.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Roll Out Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes, such as stars, trees, or snowflakes.
Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with icing, sprinkles, or your favorite holiday toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

Icing: For a festive touch, decorate the cookies with royal icing, colored sugar, or sprinkles.
Flavoring: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Chocolate: Dip half of the cookies in melted chocolate for an added treat.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If decorated with icing, allow the icing to set before storing.
Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can gently warm them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes to refresh them.

10 FAQs

Can I freeze the dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute, though the cookies may be slightly softer.
Do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out? It is not necessary to chill the dough, but if it’s too soft to handle, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up.
Can I make these cookies without using vanilla extract? Yes, you can omit the vanilla or substitute it with almond extract or another flavoring of your choice.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking? Make sure the dough is rolled out thick enough and the cookies are placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chilling the dough for a short time before baking can also help.
Can I use different cookie cutters? Yes, you can use any cookie cutter shapes you like. Christmas trees, snowflakes, or hearts are perfect for the season.
How can I decorate the cookies? You can decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugar, or even dip them in chocolate for a festive touch.
Why are my cookies not turning golden at the edges? If the edges are not turning golden, they might need a little more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the mixing time accordingly.
Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough? Absolutely! A stand mixer can make the mixing process easier, especially when creaming the butter and sugar.

Conclusion

Christmas Butter Cookies are a simple yet festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Their buttery texture and versatility make them ideal for both baking with loved ones and serving at holiday gatherings. Whether you keep them plain or add colorful decorations, these cookies will bring a touch of joy to your holiday season.