Christmas Butter Cookies: The Best Easy Recipe

Christmas Butter Cookies: The Best Easy Recipe

Growing up and having Italian Christmases, Butter Cookies were always part of the dessert table. I have very fond memories of butter cookies with rainbow sprinkles. What I love about butter cookies is their rich and buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.

They have a delicate texture that sets them apart from other kinds of cookies. And when it comes to making them more festive for Christmas, it's all about the sprinkles! Adding Christmas sprinkles not only adds a pop of color but also brings a festive touch to these delicious treats.

I'm excited to share with you the best butter cookie recipe that you can make for Christmas. I have several recipes that are easy to follow, and each one has its own unique twist. Let's dive in and discover the delightful world of Christmas butter cookies!

What ingredients are needed to make Christmas butter cookies?

Ingredients for Christmas Butter Cookies:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ teaspoon salt

- Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

These simple and delicious Christmas butter cookies require just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Make sure to use unsalted butter and let it come to room temperature before starting the recipe. This will ensure that the butter incorporates well with the other ingredients and gives the cookies a nice texture.

You will also need granulated sugar to sweeten the cookies. The sugar adds a nice sweetness to the dough and helps to create a light and delicate texture. Vanilla extract is another essential ingredient that enhances the flavor of the cookies. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

To give the cookies their signature texture, you will need all-purpose flour. This type of flour has the right amount of protein to create a tender and crumbly cookie. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the cookies and balance the sweetness.

Lastly, for a festive touch, you can decorate the Christmas butter cookies with Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar. These decorations add a pop of color and make the cookies look extra special during the holiday season. You can find a wide variety of Christmas sprinkles and colored sugar at your local grocery store or online.

How to make Christmas butter cookies:

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This can be easily done using a stand mixer or a hand mixer. The creaming process helps to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a lighter texture.

Step 2: Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined. The vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor that complements the buttery taste of the cookies.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cookie.

Step 4: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough not only helps it firm up, but it also allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove one log of dough from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edgesare lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.

Step 7: Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare the melted chocolate for dipping. Fill a small saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 9: Dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped cookies back onto the lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set at room temperature. If desired, you can sprinkle some Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar onto the chocolate before it sets.

Step 10: Once the chocolate has set, your Christmas butter cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Other Christmas Butter Cookie Recipes:

Peppermint Butter Cookies

Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist. Crush some candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.

Lemon Butter Cookies

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a tangy flavor. You can also drizzle some lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of citrus.

Almond Butter Cookies

Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty taste. You can also press a whole almond into the center of each cookie before baking for a decorative touch.

Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies

Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a classic twist. You can sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top of each cookie before baking for a chocolatey surprise.

Nutella-Stuffed Butter Cookies

Roll the dough into balls and flatten each one with your palm. Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of the flattened dough and fold the edges over to seal. Bake as directed and enjoy the gooey Nutella filling.

No matter which variation you choose, these Christmas butter cookies are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. They have a rich buttery flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The addition of Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar adds a festive touch that kids and adults alike will love.

These recipes are easy to follow and require common pantry ingredients such as unsalted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or online.

Is it possible to freeze Christmas butter cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing Christmas butter cookies is a great way to prepare ahead and have homemade treats ready for the holiday season. Whether you want to get a head start on your baking or simply want to store some extra cookies for later, freezing is a convenient option.

The best part is that butter cookies freeze exceptionally well, maintaining their taste and texture even after being thawed. Here's how you can freeze your Christmas butter cookies:

1. Allow the cookies to cool completely: Before freezing, make sure your cookies have completely cooled down. This ensures that they won't become soggy or lose their shape during the freezing process.

2. Choose the right container: Select an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to store your cookies. Make sure it has a tight seal to prevent any air or moisture from getting in.

3. Layer the cookies: Place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Seal and label: Once you've layered all the cookies in the container, seal it tightly and label it with the date. This will help you keep track of when they were frozen.

5. Freeze: Place the container in the freezer, making sure it is in an upright position to avoid any damage to the cookies. Ideally, they should be stored in a single layer to preserve their shape.

6. Thaw and enjoy: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Christmas butter cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw.

How long do Christmas butter cookies store well for?

Christmas butter cookies can store well for up to two weeks when stored properly. It's important to store them in an airtight container or cookie tin to maintain their freshness. The buttery texture of these cookies helps them maintain their delicious taste and texture for an extended period of time.

However, it's important to note that the addition of Christmas sprinkles or icing decorations may cause them to lose their crunchiness over time. If you want to keep the cookies crispy, it's best to add the decorations right before serving.

How can you decorate Christmas butter cookies?

Decorating Christmas butter cookies is a fun and creative way to add a festive touch to these delicious treats. There are several ways you can decorate Christmas butter cookies, and here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Christmas Sprinkles

• Royal Icing

• Colored Sugar

• Edible Glitter

Christmas Butter Cookies are a must-have treat during the holiday season. Their rich and buttery flavor, delicate texture, and festive sprinkle toppings make them a beloved favorite for both young and old alike. Whether you're making them for a holiday party, as a homemade gift, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring joy and delight to any occasion.

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