These Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to spread holiday cheer. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and beautifully decorated with festive sprinkles or dipped in chocolate, they’re great for gifting, snacking, or enjoying with family during the holiday season. With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate.
Here’s a detailed recipe to make these irresistible Christmas butter cookies, including ingredients, preparation instructions, tips, and calorie details.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup (2 sticks)
- Granulated sugar: ⅔ cup
- Egg yolks: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons
For Decoration (Optional):
- Melted chocolate (dark or milk): ½ cup
- Festive sprinkles: As needed
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If the dough is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to bring it together.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small rosettes or other festive shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
If you don’t have a piping bag, roll the dough into small balls and gently flatten them with a fork or your palm.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and place on wax paper. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Alternatively, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
- Total Time: ~1 hour (including cooling time)
Tips for Perfect Christmas Butter Cookies
Softened Butter is Key: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too soft to pipe, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
Customize Your Shapes: Use festive cookie cutters or piping tips to create different holiday shapes like stars, trees, or candy canes.
Experiment with Flavors: Add almond extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon for a unique twist.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Calories Per Cookie
Here’s an approximate breakdown of calories per cookie (based on 24 cookies):
Cookie base: ~90 calories
Chocolate and sprinkles (optional): ~40 calories
Total per cookie (approximate): ~130 calories.
For a lighter version, skip the chocolate or use a sugar substitute.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Holiday Flavor: These cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them a holiday favorite.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Fun to Decorate: Great for involving kids in the holiday baking fun.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Butter Cookies: Add crushed candy canes to the chocolate dip for a festive touch.
Citrus Butter Cookies: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright flavor.
Spiced Butter Cookies: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a warm, spiced twist.
Jam-Filled Butter Cookies: Pipe circles with a well in the center and fill with your favorite jam before baking.
Conclusion
These Christmas Butter Cookies are a must-have for your holiday celebrations. Their delicate texture, festive decorations, and buttery flavor make them a joy to bake and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to bring holiday cheer.