If you’re looking for a buttery, festive treat that instantly brightens up your cookie jar, the Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful cookies blend a rich buttery base with colorful red and green sugar sprinkles that bring both a crunch and a merry touch to every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet with a little flair, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressively delicious to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking perfect Green and Red Butter Cookies. Each component is simple but plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and festive vibrancy that makes these cookies shine.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Softened butter lends richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s the heart of these cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Provides a fine sweetness that blends smoothly without graininess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that enhances the buttery flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates structure and tenderness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup red sugar sprinkles: Adds colorful crunch and festive flair.
- 1/4 cup green sugar sprinkles: Complements the red sprinkles, making the cookies visually irresistible.
How to Make Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Place the softened butter into a stand mixer and beat it for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes soft and smooth. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and the mixture looks creamy and light. This step is so important because creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures your cookies will have that tender, buttery crumb we all love.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Next, add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to your creamed mixture. Mix it gently until the ingredients just come together into a dough. It’s key not to overmix here because overworking the dough can make the cookies tough rather than soft and delicate.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies and Add Color
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and to bring in all that holiday magic, roll each ball in your red and green sugar sprinkles. This creates each cookie’s festive, crunchy coating. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. I love using parchment paper here—it makes cleanup so much easier and helps prevent sticking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes. Keep a close eye after the 18-minute mark; you want them set but not browned. Once baked, let them cool a bit on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. The wait is worth it because these cookies are simply irresistible fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Green and Red Butter Cookies recipe even more, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a snowy, elegant touch. A few fresh mint leaves on the side can also add a lovely contrast in color and a refreshing hint alongside the buttery sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages like rich cocoa, spiced chai tea, or a classic cup of coffee. The warmth of your drinks balances the crisp crunch and buttery softness, making every bite a cozy delight. For a holiday party, they’re also great alongside a cheese platter, providing a sweet counterpoint to savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your green and red cookies stacked on festive plates or arranged in a circle around a bowl of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting dip. You could even tie a set of three to five cookies together with a colorful ribbon for charming edible gifts. Presentation makes a huge difference, and these cookies sparkle just as much as the presentation you create!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your finished Green and Red Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their perfect texture. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them slowly or share with friends.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance or extend their shelf life, freeze the dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. When freezing dough, roll the balls in sprinkles first and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze best stored in a tightly sealed container with parchment layers between to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their buttery softness and lightly toasts the sprinkles, bringing them back to fresh-baked brilliance.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter if you need a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing to maintain the same creamy texture in your dough.
What if I don’t have colored sugar sprinkles?
If you don’t have red and green sugar sprinkles, you can use plain sugar crystals and then carefully brush the tops with a little food coloring diluted in water, or use colored sanding sugar. Alternatively, experiment with other festive colors to suit different occasions.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be because the butter was too soft or melted before baking, or the dough was too warm. Make sure to use softened but not melted butter and chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm.
Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just watch the dough consistency and adjust with a little more flour or liquid as needed.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating?
Yes! The Green and Red Butter Cookies are a fantastic base for additional decoration like royal icing or edible glitter. Their firm but tender texture holds decorations well without cracking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking cookies that capture both flavor and festive cheer, and the Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe does exactly that. Once you try making these colorful treats, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe season after season. They’re easy, fun, and utterly delicious — the perfect way to brighten any gathering or quiet afternoon treat. Give it a go and watch these cookies become a beloved staple in your collection!
Print
Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Green and Red Butter Cookies are a festive and delightful treat, perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery dough is enhanced with vanilla and then rolled in colorful red and green sugar sprinkles before baking to golden perfection. The result is a crunchy, sweet exterior with a tender crumb inside—ideal for sharing or gifting during special occasions.
Ingredients
Butter Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (or margarine for dairy-free), softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- 1/4 cup red colored sugar sprinkles
- 1/4 cup green colored sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, ensuring everything is well combined without overmixing.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Then gently roll each dough ball in the red and green colored sugar sprinkles, covering the surface evenly. Place the coated balls about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until set and lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute unsalted butter with margarine as noted.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Rolling the dough balls evenly in colored sugar sprinkles gives a festive finish and slight crunch.
