Christmas Butter Cookies

Christmas Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the joy of the holiday season into your kitchen. These cookies are buttery, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they can also make beautiful gifts when decorated.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe for Christmas Butter Cookies is not only simple but also versatile. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious batch of cookies that everyone will love. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, decorating them with chocolate and sprinkles adds a festive touch!

How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk
Optional: melted chocolate & sprinkles

Directions:

In a bowl, mix the flour and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined. If the dough is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pipe 1 1/2-inch swirls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Let the cookies cool completely. Dip them in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies

Serve these cookies on a festive plate with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. They also make great gifts when packaged neatly in a decorative box.

How to Store Christmas Butter Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can keep for up to three months.

Tips to Make Christmas Butter Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off.
Experiment with different toppings, like nuts or colored sugar, for a unique touch.

Variation

You can add lemon zest for a citrusy flavor or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the taste and texture may be slightly different.

2. How can I make the cookies more colorful?

You can tint your dough with food coloring or add colored sprinkles on top.

3. What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough is too crumbly, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together better.

Enjoy making these simple and tasty Christmas Butter Cookies this holiday season!