Oh, holiday season bliss! There’s just something magical about Christmas butter cookies that fills the house with all the warm, cozy vibes. I can still remember the sweet aroma wafting through my kitchen as a kid while my mom and I baked dozens of these delightful treats. The cheerful holiday spirit always seemed to shine a little brighter when we rolled the dough and decorated each cookie with colorful sprinkles. Trust me, once you taste these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a must-have during the festive season. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies bring smiles and joy to everyone around!
Ingredients for Christmas Butter Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create the most delightful cookies. Make sure your butter is softened; it really helps in getting that creamy texture when you blend it with sugar. And don’t skip on the vanilla extract—it adds that extra layer of warmth and flavor that makes these cookies so festive! As you gather everything, just imagine the sweet smell that will soon fill your kitchen. Yum!
How to Prepare Christmas Butter Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden edge. So, set that temperature and let the magic begin!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. You should be aiming for a light, fluffy texture—think whipped clouds of buttery goodness! This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps your cookies rise beautifully during baking.
Add Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix them in well; you want everything perfectly combined. This mixture should be smooth and cohesive, with that lovely vanilla aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s one of my favorite parts!
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This little step is key because it ensures that your baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cookies rise and taste just right.
Combine Mixtures
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing gently until you have a smooth, cohesive dough. Don’t overmix; just blend until everything is combined. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky—totally irresistible!
Shape and Bake
Finally, it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork—this gives them that classic cookie look. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. When they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!
Tips for Success with Christmas Butter Cookies
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these Christmas butter cookies! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your baking goes off without a hitch:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This is key for that creamy texture when creaming it with sugar. If you forget to take it out in advance, you can microwave it for just a few seconds—just don’t melt it!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want them soft and tender, not chewy!
- Chill the Dough: For an even richer flavor, consider chilling the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and can also prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want to take them out when they’re just lightly golden around the edges. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Let Them Cool: Resist the temptation to eat them straight from the baking sheet! Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack first. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Experiment with Sprinkles: If you’re feeling festive, don’t shy away from decorating! Adding some colorful sprinkles or icing on top can make your cookies pop and look extra special for the holidays.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re sure to impress everyone with your delicious Christmas butter cookies. Happy baking!
Variations on Christmas Butter Cookies
Now, let’s talk about how to jazz up your Christmas butter cookies! While the classic recipe is absolutely delightful on its own, there’s so much room for creativity. Here are some fun variations that will add a twist to your holiday baking:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Toss in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, gooey surprise in every bite. Who can resist that melty goodness?
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and nuttiness. Just about 1/2 cup will do! Toast them lightly beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg—about a teaspoon of either will add a cozy holiday aroma that’s simply irresistible. Or, try a mix of both for a festive flair!
- Frosted Fun: After baking, let your cookies cool completely and then top them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. You can even add food coloring to match your holiday theme!
- Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens up the cookies. It’s a lovely contrast to the buttery richness!
- Holiday Sprinkles: Before baking, roll the dough balls in colorful holiday sprinkles. They’ll add a cheerful pop of color and make your cookies look super festive!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of baking is that it’s all about experimenting and having fun in the kitchen. Happy baking and enjoy creating your own unique holiday treats!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delightful Christmas butter cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible! The best way to store them is in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. I usually layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, which is a handy little trick!
These cookies can be stored at room temperature for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long—trust me, they’re too tempting! If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them. Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up. This will make them taste freshly baked and melt-in-your-mouth delicious all over again! Enjoy your festive treats anytime you crave a little holiday cheer!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Butter Cookies
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these scrumptious Christmas butter cookies! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates, so they can vary a bit depending on how you make them and what ingredients you use. But here’s a general breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are definitely a treat to enjoy during the holidays, and while they’re not a health food, they sure do bring joy to the season! Just remember, everything in moderation, right? So, go ahead and indulge a little this festive season—you deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time! Perfect for those busy holiday days.
- Festive Treat: The buttery flavor and delightful sweetness make these cookies a true holiday classic that will brighten up any festive gathering.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got an adorable homemade gift that friends and family will absolutely love!
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or festive sprinkles, making each batch uniquely yours.
- Great for Decorating: Whether you want to keep it simple or get creative with icing and sprinkles, these cookies are a blank canvas for your holiday decorating ideas!
- Family Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition, just like it was for me when I was a kid. It’s a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones.
FAQ Section
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just be mindful to reduce the added salt in the recipe to keep the balance right. Salted butter will still give you delicious cookies, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep your Christmas butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, pop them in the freezer—they’ll hold up for about 2-3 months!
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
Sure! If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum in it for the best texture. I’ve tried it, and it works beautifully!
How can I adjust the baking time?
Baking times can vary based on your oven and the size of your cookies. If you make larger cookies, they might need an extra minute or two. Just keep an eye on them—they should be golden around the edges when done.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before rolling it into balls.
What if I can’t find vanilla extract?
If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can substitute it with almond extract for a different flavor twist! Just use half the amount since almond extract is more potent.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes, yes, yes! These cookies are perfect for decorating. Once they’re cooled, you can frost them with icing or sprinkle them with colored sugar for that festive touch. Get creative!
Christmas Butter Cookies: 5 Joyful Tips for Perfection
- Gesamtzeit: 27 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious and festive Christmas butter cookies.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
- For a richer flavor, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 100
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 6g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 10g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: christmas butter cookies
