If you’re dreaming of a classic treat that embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season, this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, boasting a perfect balance of rich butter flavor and a tender crumb. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie lover, this recipe captures the festive spirit with every bite, making your kitchen smell like the holidays have arrived early.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of the perfect Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from texture to flavor, creating that irresistible buttery goodness.
- Flour (2 ¼ cups): The backbone of the cookies, giving structure without making them tough.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances the butter’s richness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the star ingredient, providing creaminess and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg yolks (2): Adds richness and helps bind the dough for a tender crumb.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough just right, ensuring these cookies satisfy your sweet tooth without being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the entire cookie.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp, optional): Helps achieve the ideal dough consistency for piping.
- Melted chocolate & sprinkles (optional): Fun festive decorations that add a pop of color and extra sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution, so each cookie has a consistent flavor and texture. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for those soft, airy cookies that practically melt on your tongue.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. The egg yolks enrich the dough, while the vanilla adds a subtle warmth that makes these cookies smell like Christmas.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can toughen the cookies, so be gentle and stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your beautiful swirls come off easily once baked.
Step 6: Pipe the Cookie Dough
Using a piping bag, pipe 1½-inch swirls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. The precision of this step creates those charming, uniform cookies that look as delightful as they taste.
Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. This caramelization adds a lovely subtle crunch while keeping the inside soft.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive decorations if you like, turning these classic butter cookies into holiday showstoppers.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe. Melted chocolate drizzled or dipped on one end adds richness, while colorful sprinkles or finely chopped nuts make each cookie visually inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. The slight sweetness and buttery crispness make them the perfect companion for your holiday beverage of choice.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not arrange these cookies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or sprinkle powdered sugar to mimic snow? Wrapping them in cellophane tied with a bright ribbon makes an excellent gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Christmas Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the dough can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies, simply pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This warms the butter just right and revives that freshly baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but reduce the added salt to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter is preferred for precise control over flavor.
Is it necessary to use egg yolks only?
Egg yolks add richness and tenderness, but if you need to use whole eggs, expect a slightly different texture that’s still tasty but less delicate.
Why does the recipe call for piping the dough?
Piping creates a beautiful swirl shape that bakes evenly and looks more festive, but you can shape the dough into balls if you prefer a simpler look.
Can I swap vanilla extract for other flavors?
Absolutely! Almond or peppermint extracts work wonderfully during the holidays and add a special twist to this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing. Chilling the dough briefly before piping can also help maintain the shape.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own festive cookie memories!
Print
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Christmas Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them an ideal festive treat. Soft yet crisp at the edges, they can be beautifully decorated with melted chocolate and sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfect for sharing during the holiday season or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional)
Decorations (Optional)
- Melted chocolate
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes and helps incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well until fully combined and the mixture looks smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookie dough. If the dough feels too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk optionally to adjust consistency.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Pipe the dough: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a nozzle of your choice. Pipe 1½-inch swirls of dough evenly spaced on the baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, signaling they are done.
- 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 if desired to add a colorful, tasty finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Do not overmix dough to avoid tough cookies.
- If dough is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time to adjust consistency for piping.
- Use parchment paper for baking to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Decorations are optional but add a festive look and extra flavor.
