If you’re dreaming of that perfect holiday treat that feels both nostalgic and utterly irresistible, this Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are buttery, tender, and have just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your festive cravings. Whether piped into elegant swirls or decorated with colorful sprinkles, these Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe will light up your holiday gatherings and bring smiles all around the table. They are simple to make but packed with rich flavor, making them a timeless classic for any celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe requires just a handful of classic ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy softness of unsalted butter to the fragrant hint of vanilla, every element adds something special to the mix.
- Flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and that tender crumb you love.
- Salt (½ tsp): Just a touch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the show, delivering rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg yolks (2): These add a luscious richness and help bind the dough together perfectly.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetness that caramelizes slightly during baking for golden edges.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings a warm, comforting aroma that’s key to holiday baking.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp, optional): A splash to adjust dough consistency if needed for smoother piping.
- Melted chocolate & sprinkles (optional): Fun festive decorations that add a playful and delicious finishing touch.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This step might seem simple but is crucial for even distribution, ensuring every cookie has the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Set this aside for now as we prepare the creamy base.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is key to achieving that delicate crumb. The air whipped into this mixture will help your cookies rise just enough to be tender but not cakey.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. The egg yolks add richness, while the vanilla infuses each bite with its warm, sweet aroma. Combine thoroughly until smooth; the mixture will become more vibrant and nicely textured.
Step 4: Fold in the Flour Mixture
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined, careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can develop gluten, which will make your perfectly tender cookies tough. If the dough feels too stiff for piping, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make it smoother and easier to handle.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. This step ensures a clean release for your beautifully shaped cookies.
Step 6: Pipe the Cookies
Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe 1½-inch swirls of dough onto the baking sheet. Piping the dough creates those charming, ridged textures that hold decorative toppings beautifully and give each cookie a professional look.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden brown. Keep an eye on them—the delicate edges make all the difference between soft and crisp, and that beautiful buttery flavor shines brightest when perfectly baked.
Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy
Once cooled completely, dip each cookie into melted chocolate and sprinkle festive sprinkles on top. This optional step adds a pop of color and extra indulgence, turning your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe into a show-stopping holiday treat perfect for sharing or gifting.
How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to garnish these cookies is with melted chocolate and colorful sprinkles, celebrating the joyful spirit of the holidays. You can also try a dusting of powdered sugar or crushed nuts for extra texture and festive visual appeal. These little finishing touches elevate the simple cookie into an elegant treat everyone will adore.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or traditional eggnog to complement the buttery sweetness perfectly. They also make a delightful accompaniment to holiday cheese boards or fruit platters, balancing savory and sweet flavors with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving, arrange a batch in a decorative tin or tie bundles with festive ribbons and tags. You can stack different shapes or colors for visual interest. Displaying them on a festive platter surrounded by holly or pine adds charm to any holiday party table and invites guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay tender and flavorful for up to a week, making them an excellent treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours—like fresh-baked magic whenever you need a festive pick-me-up.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly. This softens the butter slightly and revives that fresh-from-the-oven feeling without compromising their delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level precisely, but if salted butter is on hand, reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.
Why do I need to pipe the dough instead of rolling it?
Piping creates those beautiful swirled shapes with lovely ridges that hold decorations well and bake evenly. Rolling and cutting can work, but the texture and look of these particular Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe shine best when piped.
Can I add flavors like almond or lemon?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest can bring a fresh twist while still keeping that buttery base intact. Just be sure not to overpower the vanilla and butter notes.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to maintain dough structure. Chilling the dough briefly can also help hold the shape during baking.
What is the best way to decorate these cookies for a festive look?
Dipping in melted chocolate and adding colorful sprinkles is classic and fun. You can also drizzle icing or use edible glitter for extra sparkle—get creative and make your Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe uniquely yours!
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost magical about baking Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe during the holidays—each bite brings comfort, joy, and a little festive sparkle. They are easy to make, wonderfully buttery, and endlessly customizable, which is why they have become a personal favorite to share with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own holiday memories with every crumb. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Christmas Butter Cookies are rich, buttery, and tender with a delicate vanilla flavor. Perfectly piped into charming swirls, they bake to a light golden perfection and can be decorated with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles to add a joyful holiday touch. A delightful treat for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet homemade gift.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional)
Optional Decoration
- Melted chocolate
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined, then set aside. This ensures even distribution of the salt throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process typically takes 3 to 5 minutes and is key to a tender cookie.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth, ensuring a rich flavor base for your cookies.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb. If the dough feels too stiff, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a pipeable consistency.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 1½-inch diameter swirls of dough spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked through.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, dip them into melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive sprinkles if desired, adding a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- If you prefer softer cookies, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes and watch closely.
- You can substitute almond extract for vanilla for a nutty variation.
- The optional milk helps if dough is too thick to pipe easily, but use sparingly to avoid making the dough too soft.
- Store the baked and decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
