If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat this season, look no further than this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the very essence of holiday joy with their buttery richness, tender crumb, and just the right hint of vanilla. Whether you’re baking to fill your home with the warm aroma of Christmas or planning to share a sweet gift with loved ones, these butter cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and nostalgic happiness to all who taste them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful Christmas treat. Each component plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, and appearance of your cookies – from the rich butter to the fragrant vanilla.
- 2 ¼ cups flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft yet sturdy cookies.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The star ingredient that makes these cookies melt in your mouth with buttery goodness.
- 2 egg yolks: Add richness and help bind the dough together.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the buttery flavor.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Imparts a warm, inviting aroma essential for that festive touch.
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional): Can be used to adjust the dough consistency if it feels too dry.
- Optional melted chocolate & sprinkles: For decorating, adding a fun and colorful holiday vibe.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Setting this aside will make it easier to incorporate later without clumps, ensuring your cookie dough is smooth and even.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air, giving your cookies that delicate, tender texture we all love.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar base, beating until everything combines into a velvety, fragrant dough. This combination brings richness and depth to your cookies’ flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour Mixture
Gradually fold the flour and salt mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until the dough comes together; overmixing can make cookies tough, and we want these irresistibly soft and buttery.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and easy cleanup later.
Step 6: Pipe the Dough
Using a piping bag, pipe 1½-inch swirls onto your prepared sheet. Piping allows for those classic, elegant cookie shapes that are not just pretty but also perfect for holding any decorative toppings.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is practically irresistible and a sure sign Christmas is near.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
After letting the cookies cool completely to set their texture, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive sprinkles. This final touch adds a fun burst of color and extra indulgence that everyone will love.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of colorful sugar crystals elevates the cookies from simple to spectacular. Freshly crushed peppermint or edible glitter can also add a magical holiday sparkle that delights young and old alike.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Butter Cookies with warm mulled cider, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. These beverages complement the cookies’ sweetness perfectly, making every bite a cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or on a festive platter lined with evergreen branches or holiday napkins. You can also stack and wrap them with a bright ribbon for a charming homemade gift that will be treasured.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This helps maintain their tender texture while keeping them deliciously buttery.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe in advance, freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature. For that just-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat so they don’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in the Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can be used, the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. Butter provides a richer taste and helps create that perfect tender crumb, so it is highly recommended for this recipe.
How do I make sure my cookies keep their shape during baking?
Chilling the dough briefly before piping can help maintain the cookie swirl shape. Also, avoid overworking the dough as it activates gluten, which can cause spreading.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can give your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe a warm, festive twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla and butter flavors.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a plastic zip-top bag with one corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag. Alternatively, spoon small dollops of dough onto the baking sheet, though the visual effect will be different.
Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?
Yes! These butter cookies are a fantastic baking project for kids because the steps are simple and they’ll love piping the swirls and decorating with chocolate and sprinkles.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe enough for your holiday baking adventures. It’s simple to make, delightfully tasty, and offers endless opportunities for festive creativity. Baking and sharing these buttery treats is sure to become one of your favorite traditions, bringing warmth and joy to every holiday celebration.
Print
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Christmas Butter Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are piped into elegant swirls and baked to a light golden perfection. They can be decorated with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles to add a delightful holiday touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional)
Optional Decoration
- Melted chocolate
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set this mixture aside to incorporate later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and ensures a tender cookie.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. If the dough feels too stiff, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it slightly.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Form Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1½-inch swirls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive sprinkles for a beautiful holiday presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can shape the dough into balls and flatten slightly before baking.
- The optional milk helps if the dough is too dry or crumbly for piping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Decorate with white or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- To make the cookies extra festive, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
