Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat—Christmas butter cookies! These little gems are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Every year when the holiday season rolls around, I can’t resist whipping up a batch (or three!). They fill my home with the warm, inviting scents of butter and sugar, and trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked cookie adorned with colorful sprinkles. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply indulging in as you cozy up by the fire. The best part? They’re super easy to make, so you can enjoy the festive spirit without spending all day in the kitchen. Seriously, these Christmas butter cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking lineup!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Christmas butter cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
How to Prepare Christmas Butter Cookies
Now, let’s dive into how to make these delightful Christmas butter cookies! I promise, it’s as simple as pie—well, cookie dough, really! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of buttery goodness ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden edge!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this—it makes everything so smooth and fluffy! You want to beat it until it’s light and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Add Flavoring
Now, it’s time to add the magic! Pour in the vanilla extract and mix well until it’s nicely combined with the butter and sugars. Ahh, the smell of vanilla is just heavenly and really gets you in the holiday spirit!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. I like to make sure there are no lumps in my flour, so give it a good stir. This step helps the cookies rise beautifully and ensures they’re light and airy!
Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture. I usually do this in batches to avoid flour clouds! Mix until a dough forms—it should be soft but not sticky. If it feels a bit too sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a bit more flour until it reaches that perfect consistency.
Shape the Cookies
Now, for the fun part! Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t forget to flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass. This helps them spread out and bake evenly. And of course, sprinkle those colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch!
Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers are still soft. Oops, it’s hard to resist that tempting aroma!
Cooling Instructions
Once they’re out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This is super important because they’ll firm up a bit as they cool. Trust me, waiting just a few more minutes is worth it for that perfect texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth—seriously, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
- Festively adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
- Soft and chewy texture with a slight crisp on the edges—just how cookies should be!
- Great for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying all by yourself (no judgment here!).
- Versatile; you can easily swap in different extracts or decorations to make them your own!
- A timeless classic that brings back fond memories of holiday baking with loved ones.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake these delightful Christmas butter cookies, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every single time!
- Check for Golden Edges: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden while the centers still look a bit soft. This will give you that beautiful, chewy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the butter mixture, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Use an Airtight Container: Once your cookies are cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last about a week, but I bet they won’t stick around that long!
- Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is a bit too warm and sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
- Experiment with Decorations: Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! Use holiday-themed ones or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra special touch.
- Make a Double Batch: Trust me on this—these cookies disappear fast! Making a double batch means you’ll have plenty to share (or keep all to yourself—no judgment!).
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re bound to impress everyone with your delicious Christmas butter cookies. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying our Christmas butter cookies, it’s nice to know what we’re treating ourselves to! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional data per cookie. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what’s in these delightful treats:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
So, there you have it! These cookies are a delightful indulgence during the holiday season. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be all set to savor every buttery bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious Christmas butter cookies? No worries! I’ve gathered some of the most common inquiries to help you out:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but it’s best to stick with unsalted butter for this recipe. This way, you can control the saltiness better and keep that rich, buttery flavor front and center!
How do I store leftover cookies?
After your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container or wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels a bit sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency for rolling. A little adjustment goes a long way!
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
You bet! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit to give your cookies a twist. Just be careful not to overload them—too many add-ins can affect the texture!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. They may seem a bit underbaked at first, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Trust your nose; that buttery aroma is a great indicator!
Can I use different extracts?
Definitely! While vanilla is classic, you can swap in almond extract or even peppermint for a festive twist. Just remember to keep the measurement the same, and you’ll be good to go!
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Oh, for sure! These Christmas butter cookies make perfect gifts. Just package them in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a delightful homemade present for friends and family!
Hopefully, these answers help clear up any questions you might have about making these delicious Christmas butter cookies. Now, get ready to bake and enjoy the holiday spirit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a storm with your Christmas butter cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store those buttery bites and what to do if you want to enjoy them warm later on!
First, to keep your cookies fresh, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents any moisture buildup that could make them soggy. Once they’re cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, pull them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat, but if you crave that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will revive that lovely buttery texture!
So, whether you’re storing them for later or indulging in a warm treat, these tips will help keep your Christmas butter cookies as delightful as the day you baked them!
Imprimer
Christmas Butter Cookies: 7 Melt-In-Your-Mouth Secrets
- Temps Total: 32 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
These Christmas butter cookies are rich, buttery, and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly and add sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar.
- You can use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: Christmas butter cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies
