Christmas Butter Cookie Recipe
Christmas Butter Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings warmth and cheer to any celebration. Their buttery texture, adorned with festive decorations, makes them perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying during cozy winter moments. These cookies are not only delightful to eat but also a joy to make, offering a creative outlet for holiday decorating.
Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of Christmas Butter Cookies begins with a few simple yet essential ingredients. Unsalted butter provides the rich, creamy foundation for the dough, while all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt deliver structure and balance. Granulated sugar brings sweetness, and a room-temperature egg binds everything together. Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note, elevating the flavor profile of these classic cookies.
For those seeking to enhance the festive flair, optional add-ons like white chocolate chips, coconut oil, and sprinkles are fantastic choices. White chocolate adds a luxurious drizzle, while coconut oil ensures a silky texture. Sprinkles bring a playful burst of color, transforming these cookies into holiday masterpieces.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Christmas Butter Cookies
The process of crafting these cookies is as enjoyable as the result. Here’s how to create them with precision and flair.
Begin by whisking together the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, providing a balanced base for the dough. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, a process that takes approximately two minutes. This creaming step introduces air into the mixture, contributing to the tender texture of the cookies.
Next, incorporate the vanilla extract and room-temperature egg. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth and cohesive batter, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Evaluate the dough’s consistency. It should be firm yet pliable enough for piping. Test a small portion using a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. If the dough feels too stiff, add milk one teaspoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the desired texture is achieved.
Pipe the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing each swirl about 2 ½ inches apart. The spacing allows the cookies to spread slightly without losing their shape. Once piped, refrigerate the trays uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to maintaining the intricate piped designs during baking.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
To decorate, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, following the package instructions. For a smoother drizzle, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil per cup of melted chocolate. Drizzle the chocolate over the cooled cookies and immediately top with festive sprinkles. Let the decorations set before serving or storing.
Recipe Tips
Avoid overmixing to ensure the cookies remain tender and delicate.
Experiment with flavors by substituting vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract for a unique twist.
Maintain consistent pressure while piping to achieve uniform swirls.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Christmas Butter Cookies pair beautifully with holiday beverages such as hot cocoa, mulled wine, or a spiced latte. For a festive dessert board, combine them with truffles, gingerbread cookies, and candied nuts. Packaged in decorative tins or bags, they also make thoughtful gifts that are sure to delight.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To preserve their flavor and texture, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If preparing ahead, refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for future use. After decorating, layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent the chocolate and sprinkles from smudging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to balance the flavors.
What piping tip works best for this recipe?
A large open star tip, such as Ateco 826 or 827, creates elegant swirls.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar results.
Why is refrigerating the dough important?
It prevents the cookies from spreading and helps retain their decorative shapes.
How do I store decorated cookies without damaging them?
Use parchment paper between layers and store in a cool, dry place.
Creative Decoration Ideas
Unleash your creativity by customizing the decorations. Use colored white chocolate to match your holiday theme or sprinkle crushed candy canes for a festive crunch. Edible glitter adds a dazzling touch, while piping techniques can create intricate designs like stars, trees, or snowflakes. Involve family members, especially children, to make the decorating process a fun and memorable holiday activity.
Christmas Butter Cookies encapsulate the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Their delightful flavors and festive appearance make them a cherished addition to any celebration. Whether shared with loved ones or given as a heartfelt gift, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and create lasting memories. Get creative with the decorations, and let this recipe become a beloved holiday tradition in your home.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg, at room temperature
2-3 teaspoons milk, if needed
White chocolate chips (optional)
Coconut oil (optional)
Sprinkles
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, whisking together until evenly distributed. Set aside for later use.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and airy, which should take around two minutes. Add the vanilla extract and the room-temperature egg, then continue mixing until smooth and fully integrated, about one minute. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Take care not to overmix to maintain the cookies’ tender texture.
Evaluate the consistency of the dough. Test a small portion by transferring it into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip, such as Ateco 826 or 827. The dough should be firm but pipeable. If it feels too stiff, add milk one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the desired texture is achieved.
Pipe swirls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Once all the dough has been piped, place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill the cookies uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their beautiful piped shapes while baking.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, transfer the cookie sheets directly to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheets for about five minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
For decoration, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl following the instructions on the packaging. To create a smoother consistency, you can stir in approximately one teaspoon of coconut oil per cup of melted white chocolate, though this step is optional. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle the cookies with festive sprinkles to add a pop of color and holiday cheer.
Let the decorations set before serving or storing. Enjoy these buttery delights as a festive centerpiece or share them as a heartfelt holiday gift.
Christmas Butter Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2-3 teaspoons milk if needed
- White chocolate chips optional
- Coconut oil optional
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, whisking together until evenly distributed. Set aside for later use.
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and airy, which should take around two minutes. Add the vanilla extract and the room-temperature egg, then continue mixing until smooth and fully integrated, about one minute. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Take care not to overmix to maintain the cookies’ tender texture.
- Evaluate the consistency of the dough. Test a small portion by transferring it into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip, such as Ateco 826 or 827. The dough should be firm but pipeable. If it feels too stiff, add milk one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the desired texture is achieved.
- Pipe swirls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 ½ inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Once all the dough has been piped, place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill the cookies uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This step ensures that the cookies maintain their beautiful piped shapes while baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, transfer the cookie sheets directly to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheets for about five minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- For decoration, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl following the instructions on the packaging. To create a smoother consistency, you can stir in approximately one teaspoon of coconut oil per cup of melted white chocolate, though this step is optional. Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle the cookies with festive sprinkles to add a pop of color and holiday cheer.
- Let the decorations set before serving or storing. Enjoy these buttery delights as a festive centerpiece or share them as a heartfelt holiday gift.
Notes
- Make space in the refrigerator to chill the cookie trays for 30 minutes.
- Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a table knife for accurate measurement.
- Use a large piping tip to pipe the cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet; avoid parchment paper as it can make piping harder and may lead to spreading. A single piped swirl works best.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.