Christmas Butter Cookies

Christmas butter cookies are the hallmark of holiday baking. These crisp, buttery treats come together quickly using simple pantry ingredients and can be shaped and decorated in endless festive ways. Their delicate texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness make them a perfect addition to holiday dessert tables, cookie exchanges, and homemade gifts, bringing a classic touch to your celebrations.

I first tried these cookies years ago when I wanted something simple yet special for Christmas. Now every year my family looks forward to decorating them together and swapping them with neighbors. They really bring the holiday spirit to the kitchen.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: two and a quarter cups provide structure and tenderness, look for fresh, unbleached flour for best results
• Salt: half a teaspoon balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• Unsalted butter: one cup softened to room temperature for proper creaming, high-quality butter makes a richer cookie
• Egg yolks: two add richness and tenderness
• Granulated sugar: three quarters of a cup for sweetness and slight crispness
• Vanilla extract: two teaspoons to give that warm, classic flavor
• Milk: one to two tablespoons to adjust dough consistency for easy shaping
• Optional Decorations: include melted chocolate for dipping and a variety of holiday sprinkles or edible glitter to add sparkle and fun

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Whisk the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt by whisking thoroughly. This step ensures the flour and salt mix evenly, preventing any salty pockets in the cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture turns light in color and fluffy in texture. This creaming process is essential for creating the tender, delicate crumb of the cookies.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully integrated. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together to avoid overworking it, which can cause toughness. If the dough feels too stiff, add the second tablespoon of milk to soften it enough for shaping.

Shape the Dough:

For piped cookies, place the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip and pipe shapes onto your prepared baking sheets. For rolled cookies, roll dough into one-inch balls, then flatten slightly with your hand or the back of a fork.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake the shaped cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully for the edges to begin turning lightly golden. After removing, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate Optional:

Once the cookies are cool, dip them in melted chocolate and decorate with festive sprinkles or edible decorations. Allow any chocolate or icing to set fully before serving or storing.

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One of my favorite things about this recipe is the simple vanilla-enhanced butter flavor that pairs well with any decoration you choose. It’s made many festive memories, especially when my kids and I gather to decorate by the Christmas tree, each cookie becoming a little edible ornament.

Storage Tips

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to make batches ahead, baked cookies freeze well for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they will be as crisp as freshly baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the added salt to a quarter teaspoon to avoid over-salting. For a dairy-free version, try substituting the butter with vegan butter alternatives and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. You can add almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor twist too.

Serving Suggestions

These butter cookies shine on holiday platters with other classics like gingerbread and peppermint bark, creating a festive dessert spread guaranteed to impress guests. Pair them with warm beverages such as spiced eggnog, hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, or a bright holiday punch for a perfect cozy treat.

Cultural Reflections

Butter cookies have a rich European heritage, especially linked to Nordic countries where they are a traditional holiday treat. Their simple, rich ingredients reflect old-world baking that valued fundamental flavors and family sharing. Decorating them has become a modern, joyful ritual that connects generations.

Pro Tips

• Always soften the butter properly before creaming to avoid dense cookies
• Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies tender
• For piping, chill the dough briefly if it softens too much while you work, so shapes hold well

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors.

→ How can I make shaping the dough easier?

Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes firms it up, making piping or rolling more manageable.

→ What tools help create consistent cookie shapes?

A cookie press or piping bag with various tips helps achieve uniform and intricate designs.

→ How long should I bake these cookies?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a light golden tone.

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to two days before shaping and baking.

→ What are some decoration ideas?

Try dipping in melted chocolate, adding sprinkles, edible glitter, or piping royal icing for a festive touch.