Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe

Quick & Festive Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Delicate christmas butter cookies dance between crispy edges and tender centers, promising pure holiday magic.

Buttery aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Sweet memories of childhood celebrations drift through each carefully crafted bite.

Generations have treasured this simple yet elegant treat during festive gatherings.

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth textures reveal baking secrets passed down through loving hands.

Classic ingredients combine into something extraordinary that sparks joy and connection.

You’ll want to share these irresistible cookies with everyone who gathers around your table.

Why Christmas Butter Cookies Feel So Special

  • Craft Festive Delights: Create picture-perfect holiday cookies that sparkle with colorful sprinkles and bring joy to every gathering.
  • Master Simple Baking: Enjoy a beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Customize with Creativity: Personalize these cookies with different sprinkle colors, stamps, or decorative patterns to match any celebration or mood.
  • Quick Family Bonding: Engage kids and adults alike in a fun baking activity that creates delicious memories and spreads holiday cheer.

Ingredients To Make Christmas Butter Cookies

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their golden-brown color and crisp edges.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shape and consistency.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth of flavor that complements the cookie's sweetness.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
For the Decorative Elements:
  • Colored Sprinkles, Sanding Sugar: Provides a festive and colorful appearance to the cookies.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, snow-like finishing touch that adds visual appeal and a subtle sweetness.

How To Bake Christmas Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized for cookie making.

Step 2: Whip Butter to Perfection

Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat until creamy and smooth, eliminating any visible lumps for a silky texture.

Step 3: Blend Sugar and Butter

Add granulated sugar to the butter. Mix thoroughly until the combination becomes light, fluffy, and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Crack an egg into the butter-sugar mixture. Pour in vanilla extract. Whisk until the ingredients create a smooth, uniform liquid.

Step 5: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together:
  • Flour
  • Salt

Ensure no clumps remain to guarantee a perfect cookie texture.

Step 6: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture. Fold gently to prevent overmixing, creating a consistent dough.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the prepared dough for 30 minutes. This step helps intensify flavors and firms up the mixture.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Remove chilled dough. Roll into small, equal-sized balls. Arrange evenly on prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Add Decorative Touches

Press each cookie ball with a fork or festive stamp. Create interesting patterns and textures.

Step 10: Embellish with Sparkle

Sprinkle generously over cookie surfaces:
  • Colored sprinkles
  • Sanding sugar

Add vibrant holiday flair to your treats.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place cookies in preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 12: Cool and Rest

Transfer cookies to wire racks. Allow complete cooling to set their shape and texture.

Step 13: Final Elegant Finish

Dust cookies with powdered sugar. Create a snow-like appearance that adds a touch of winter magic.

Helpful Tips For Christmas Butter Cookies

  • Perfect Butter Consistency: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature, not melted, for ideal cookie texture and smooth mixing.
  • Prevent Tough Cookies: Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to avoid developing excess gluten that creates dense, hard cookies.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain shape during baking.
  • Sugar Sparkle Technique: Use sanding sugar or colored sprinkles strategically for a festive look that adds crunch and visual appeal.
  • Temperature Control: Let cookies cool completely on wire racks to maintain crisp edges and prevent soggy bottoms.

Creative Versions Of Christmas Butter Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same festive texture and taste.
  • Vegan Sugar Cookie Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of traditional egg, creating a plant-based treat that's equally delicious.
  • Spiced Winter Cookies: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom to the dough for a warming, aromatic cookie that captures cozy holiday flavors.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness for health-conscious bakers.

Festive Pairings With Christmas Butter Cookies

  • Savor Sweet Milk Companions: Pair these festive cookies with cold, creamy whole milk for a classic comfort combination that highlights the cookie's buttery sweetness.
  • Create Cozy Chai Connection: Brew a warm, spiced chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to complement the cookie's delicate vanilla undertones and add a luxurious aromatic layer.
  • Elevate with Dessert Wine: Select a light, sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling that will dance gracefully with the cookie's sugary profile, enhancing the festive baking experience.
  • Match with Espresso Elegance: Serve a small shot of rich espresso alongside these cookies, creating a delightful contrast between the sweet treat and the bold, robust coffee flavor.

How To Store Christmas Butter Cookies Right

  • Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
  • Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers, lasting up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining their delightful texture and taste.
  • Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their just-baked softness and crisp edges.
  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Cold dough helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading in the oven.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

  • What's the best way to get uniform cookie sizes?

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent dough portions. This helps cookies bake evenly and look professional.

  • How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly set center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe

Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 42-45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Christmas butter cookies bring holiday cheer with their delicate, buttery perfection. Rich with tradition and sweet memories, these melt-in-your-mouth treats will delight your senses and spread seasonal joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp colored sprinkles
  • 1 tbsp red and green sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a clean workspace for your festive cookie creation.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Incorporate granulated sugar into the butter, blending thoroughly until the mixture becomes light and airy.
  4. Crack the egg into the butter-sugar mixture, adding vanilla extract, and whisk until completely integrated and silky.
  5. Gently sift together flour and salt in a separate bowl, eliminating potential clumps that might affect cookie texture.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a uniform, cohesive dough without overmixing.
  7. Chill the prepared dough for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
  8. Roll the chilled dough into small, uniform balls, placing them evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Delicately press each cookie with a fork or festive cookie stamp, creating decorative patterns.
  10. Sprinkle colored sprinkles and sanding sugar generously over the cookie surfaces for a vibrant holiday appearance.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully until edges turn golden brown.
  12. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on wire racks.
  13. Dust with powdered sugar for a final elegant, snow-like finish before serving.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect creamy texture and light, fluffy cookies.
  • Chill for Better Shape: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookies’ crisp, defined edges during baking.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Decorative Alternatives: Experiment with different sprinkle colors, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes to personalize your holiday cookies for various festive occasions.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 151
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 49mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star