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If you’re on the hunt for a timeless, buttery treat to fill your holiday kitchen with warmth and the scent of festive joy, this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Delicately crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth tender, these cookies bring together simple ingredients into a magical blend that feels like a holiday hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking to share with loved ones or to add a touch of sweetness to your own celebrations, this recipe is a delightful way to make your Christmas moments even more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and enchanting flavor that makes this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe so beloved. The balance of fat, sugar, and vanilla creates a cookie that’s both rich and irresistibly tender.
- 2 ¼ cups flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb that forms the base of each cookie.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check for perfect balance.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The star of the show, delivering buttery richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 egg yolks: Adds moisture and richness, helping to bind the dough together.
- ¾ cup sugar: Sweetens the cookies just right while contributing to their delicate crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional): Helps loosen the dough slightly if needed for piping.
- Optional: melted chocolate & sprinkles: Perfect for adding festive flair and a touch of fun decoration.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This ensures even distribution of the salt and helps prevent clumps, laying the foundation for tender, evenly textured cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical as it aerates the butter, creating a lighter cookie with an amazing melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. The yolks enrich the dough, lending it a smooth, buttery quality, while the vanilla layer adds that cozy, classic flavor that makes these cookies so inviting.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter mixture, folding gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can lead to tougher cookies. The goal is a smooth, cohesive dough that holds together nicely for piping.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and promotes even baking, giving you picture-perfect cookies every time.
Step 6: Pipe the Cookies
Fit a piping bag with your preferred nozzle and pipe 1½-inch swirls onto the prepared baking sheet. This step is as fun as it is satisfying – watching those lovely little dough spirals come to life is part of the holiday joy.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookies into the oven and let them bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden hue. This is when the magic happens — your kitchen will fill with a buttery, sweet aroma that signals deliciousness is just moments away.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before dipping them gently into melted chocolate. Finish off with colorful sprinkles to add a festive sparkle that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a drizzle or dip of melted chocolate combined with sprinkles in holiday colors transforms these simple cookies into charming festive treats. A sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a dusting of powdered sugar can also make them look picture-perfect on any cookie platter.
Side Dishes
Serve these buttery delights alongside a warm mug of spiced cider, hot chocolate, or a classic eggnog for a cozy, comforting holiday experience. Their sweetness and texture pair beautifully with creamy drinks, creating moments that feel truly celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in decorative tins or festive boxes for gifting. You can also layer them on a beautiful holiday-themed plate, interspersed with fresh evergreen sprigs or dried orange slices, making your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe the centerpiece that dazzles any holiday spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Christmas Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, ready to be enjoyed whenever a buttery craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough by shaping it into logs and wrapping tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then slice or pipe the dough before baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for planning ahead.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, simply heat them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This will refresh the tenderness and bring back that just-baked charm, making every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe?
While salted butter can be used in a pinch, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter so you can better control the salt level and achieve the ideal balance of flavors. If using salted butter, consider reducing or omitting the added salt in the recipe.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too stiff to pipe?
If your dough feels too stiff, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time, mixing gently until it reaches a pipeable consistency. The dough should hold its shape but still be soft enough to squeeze smoothly.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating with icing?
Yes! These butter cookies provide a sturdy yet tender base for icing. Royal icing or simple glaze works beautifully for adding intricate designs or writing festive messages on your cookies.
Can I substitute the vanilla extract?
You can experiment with almond extract or citrus zest for a unique twist, but traditional vanilla lends the classic warm flavor that pairs perfectly with this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe’s buttery richness.
How do I make the cookies more festive without decorating?
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle holiday spice, or place a small piece of holiday candy or a nut on top before baking for an elegant and easy festive touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking and sharing Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe with those you love. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe invites anyone to create bakery-quality cookies right at home. So grab your piping bag, let the aroma fill your kitchen, and make some sweet memories with these charming butter cookies this holiday season. You won’t regret it!
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