Best Christmas Butter Cookies

Introduction

Christmas Butter Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to family gatherings, cookie exchanges, and festive celebrations. These cookies are tender, buttery, and easy to customize with colorful decorations, making them perfect for the Christmas season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing for decorating

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Roll and Cut the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use festive cookie cutters (stars, trees, or snowflakes) to cut out shapes. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
4. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking, if desired.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate (Optional):

1. Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with icing, more sprinkles, or colored sugar for an extra festive touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these Christmas Butter Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a festive treat. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Spiced Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Tips

• Chill the dough to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking.
• Decorate before baking if using sprinkles or colored sugar; add icing after baking for intricate designs.

Small Story: Motivation Behind This Recipe

These Christmas Butter Cookies bring back memories of baking in the kitchen with family, cutting out festive shapes, and decorating with sprinkles. They’re a classic treat that captures the joy and warmth of the holiday season, perfect for creating lasting traditions.

Conclusion

Christmas Butter Cookies are a must-have holiday recipe, with their buttery flavor, tender texture, and endless decorating possibilities. Share these cookies with loved ones and enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas!

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading? Chilling the dough and rolling it evenly helps the cookies keep their shape.
• Can I use salted butter? Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.