Christmas butter cookies are a must-have for the holiday season. The smell of buttery, sugary goodness baking in the oven instantly brings Christmas cheer. These classic, buttery treats are perfect for Santa or your holiday dessert table and are always a crowd-pleaser.
What Makes Christmas Butter Cookies So Special?
Holiday baking wouldn’t be complete without Christmas butter cookies. These simple, yet elegant treats are made with butter, sugar, flour, and a hint of vanilla or almond extract. Their soft texture and rich taste make them a favorite during the festive season.
Plus, these cookies are super versatile—you can pipe them into shapes, roll the dough into logs, or use cookie cutters for seasonal designs like stars and snowflakes. Whether decorated or left plain, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
How to Make the Best Christmas Butter Cookies
The secret to the perfect Christmas butter cookies lies in the butter. Using real, unsalted butter is non-negotiable for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Skip the substitutes—they just don’t deliver the same flavor.
ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a nutty variation)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- a pinch of salt
step-by-step directions:
cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process gives the cookies their tender texture.
add the flavor
Mix in the vanilla or almond extract. For an extra holiday touch, you can add a splash of rum or brandy.
incorporate the dry ingredients
Slowly add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the dough comes together—overmixing can make your cookies tough.
shape your cookies
Roll the dough into a log, chill for 30 minutes, and slice into rounds. For more festive cookies, roll the dough out and use holiday-themed cutters. Swirl designs are another option if you have a piping bag and star tip handy.
Bake to Perfection
To bake the perfect Christmas butter cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely to achieve the best texture.
Tips for Next-Level Christmas Butter Cookies
- Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, chilling helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Use a cookie press: This handy tool makes intricate shapes a breeze.
- Add festive toppings: Dip the cookies in chocolate or sprinkle them with crushed candy canes for an extra touch of holiday magic.
Why Christmas Butter Cookies Make Great Gifts
Packaged in a decorative tin or wrapped with ribbon, Christmas butter cookies are the ultimate homemade gift. They’re sturdy enough to transport, making them ideal for gifting to neighbors, coworkers, or family.
Pro tip: Line tins with parchment paper to keep cookies fresh and prevent sticking.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate-dipped cookies: Elevate the look and flavor by dipping half the cookie in melted chocolate.
- Spiced butter cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
- Lemon zest cookies: Infuse the dough with lemon zest and juice for a refreshing twist.
Storing Your Holiday Cookies
Keep your Christmas butter cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
FAQs About Christmas Butter Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Warm dough or overmixed ingredients can cause spreading. Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent this.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but reduce the added salt in the recipe for a balanced flavor.
What’s the difference between butter cookies and sugar cookies?
Butter cookies are softer and richer, while sugar cookies are firmer and ideal for detailed decorations.
How do I decorate Christmas butter cookies?
A dusting of powdered sugar, colorful icing, or sprinkles works great. For a more elegant touch, dip them in chocolate or add edible glitter.
Wrapping It Up
Baking Christmas butter cookies is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a way to spread joy and create lasting memories. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying a quiet moment with a plate of cookies and cocoa, these buttery delights make the season brighter.
Happy baking, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a few of these delicious cookies—you’ve earned it! 🍪
Make Christmas Butter Cookies a Family Tradition
One of the best parts about baking Christmas butter cookies is how it can bring people together. Whether you’re baking solo, with your kids, or hosting a cookie-decorating party, it’s a fun way to spend time with loved ones.
If you’ve got little ones in the kitchen, let them pick their favorite cookie cutters or sprinkle decorations on top. It’s messy but so worth it when you see their proud smiles! For grown-ups, pairing baking with holiday music and a warm drink makes the experience even more festive.
Pairing Christmas Butter Cookies with Other Holiday Treats
While these cookies are a star on their own, they pair beautifully with other desserts on your holiday table. Consider setting up a cookie platter with a mix of treats, like:
- Chocolate crinkle cookies for a rich, fudgy contrast.
- Gingerbread men to add some spice and classic holiday vibes.
- Thumbprint cookies with jam or caramel for variety.
Serve them with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday dessert spread.
Hosting a Cookie Swap Featuring Christmas Butter Cookies
Cookie swaps are a great way to share your baking skills and try new recipes from friends and family. Here’s how to make Christmas butter cookies the star of your swap:
- Bake a batch of cookies: Stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations.
- Package them beautifully: Use festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
- Share your recipe: Print or handwrite copies of the recipe to share with others.
Your cookies will stand out for their buttery flavor and elegant simplicity!
Ending the Year on a Sweet Note
The holidays are a time for indulgence, celebration, and savoring life’s little pleasures. Baking and sharing Christmas butter cookies is a simple yet meaningful way to spread joy. Whether you make them for tradition, creativity, or just to enjoy a quiet moment with your favorite dessert, these cookies are a little gift to yourself and those around you.
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your cookie cutters, grab some butter, and get baking. After all, Christmas comes once a year—make it delicious! 🍪
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