Oh, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holidays is like a warm hug! I can’t help but get giddy when I think about making my favorite buttercream Christmas cookies. They’re soft, sweet, and just bursting with festive cheer! I remember the first time I baked these with my grandma; we’d spend hours in the kitchen, giggling and decorating each cookie with colorful sprinkles. It was more than just baking; it was about creating memories. Trust me, there’s something magical about these cookies that makes them a must-have during the holiday season. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even just for indulging oneself with a cozy cup of cocoa. So let’s dive in and make these delightful buttercream Christmas cookies together!
Ingredients for Buttercream Christmas Cookies
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Sprinkles for decoration (your choice of colors and shapes)
How to Prepare Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Let’s get those ovens preheating and your kitchen filled with holiday spirit! Making these buttercream Christmas cookies is a delightful process, and I promise it’s simpler than you might think. Here’s how to whip up a batch that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for the perfect bake, so don’t skip this step!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside; it’s the dry team ready to join the party later!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, the fluffier, the better!
- Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated. You’ll love the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until it’s combined—don’t overdo it!
- Now, it’s time to roll! Scoop out the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn a lovely golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack completely before frosting. Patience is key here!
- Finally, frost each cookie with your delicious buttercream and sprinkle with your favorite festive sprinkles. Voilà! You’ve just created cookie magic!
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your buttercream Christmas cookies to the next level? Here are my favorite tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps achieve that light, fluffy texture when creaming.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy twist, or try different extracts for unique flavors!
- Frost when cool: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and losing its beautiful design.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your festive baking skills! Happy cookie making!
Variations of Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Now that you’ve mastered the classic buttercream Christmas cookies, why not get a little creative? The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste or the occasion! Here are some fun variations to inspire your holiday baking:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out a cup of all-purpose flour for cocoa powder to make delightful chocolate cookies. Frost them with chocolate buttercream, and you’ll have a heavenly treat!
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing twist. The bright citrus flavor pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream.
- Nutty Delights: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the flour slightly if you add a lot!
- Seasonal Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can really amp up the holiday spirit. Mix these spices right into the dough for a cozy flavor profile.
- Fun Toppings: Get creative with your frosting decorations! Use crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or even edible glitter for a festive touch. The possibilities are endless!
- Different Extracts: While almond and vanilla are classic choices, consider trying coconut or peppermint extract for a unique flavor. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect buttercream Christmas cookies. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen and making these treats your own. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious buttercream Christmas cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to keep them in tip-top shape:
- Airtight Container: Once your cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and prevent them from drying out. You can layer parchment paper between the cookies if you’ve frosted them to avoid sticking.
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy your cookies within a week, storing them at room temperature is just fine! They’ll stay delightful and ready to nibble on at a moment’s notice.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies. Just be aware that refrigeration can change the texture a bit, making them slightly firmer.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for later, cookies freeze wonderfully! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
As for reheating, I usually don’t find it necessary for these cookies since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. But if you want to warm them up a bit, pop them in the microwave for just about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delightful buttercream Christmas cookies, it’s always good to be mindful of the nutritional aspect. Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown to give you an idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet treat to enjoy during the holiday season, so feel free to indulge in moderation! Happy baking and munching!
FAQ About Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Got questions about making these delightful buttercream Christmas cookies? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Butter gives that rich, creamy taste that makes these cookies so special!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better in the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it into balls.
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Get creative! Use different colored buttercream, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for a festive touch. Let your imagination run wild!
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they’ll keep well for about three months!
With these tips in mind, you’re all set for a delicious cookie-making adventure. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Soft and Delicious: These cookies are incredibly soft and sweet, with that amazing melt-in-your-mouth buttercream frosting that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors and decorations to suit your personal taste or festive themes.
- Perfect for Sharing: With a batch yielding 24 cookies, they’re great for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply sharing with family and friends.
- Memorable Moments: Baking these cookies is a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones, just like I did with my grandma!
- Holiday Spirit: The colorful sprinkles and festive frosting make these cookies a joyful addition to any holiday spread.
Buttercream Christmas Cookies: 5 Magical Recipes to Try
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
These buttercream Christmas cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups buttercream frosting
- Sprinkles for decoration
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
- Frost with buttercream and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Use different sprinkles for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: buttercream christmas cookies
