Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe

There’s simply no treat more enchanting than Christmas Butter Cookies during the holiday season. With every bite, these buttery, tender cookies carry you straight to memories of cozy kitchens, twinkling lights, and the sweet anticipation that comes with December. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, delicate almond and vanilla notes, and shower of colorful sprinkles make them absolutely irresistible for kids and grown-ups alike. Best of all, this is a recipe designed for joy—easy to follow, perfect for sharing, and ready to become a beloved part of your family’s holiday rituals.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple, pantry staples come together to create something magical with these cookies. Every ingredient brings its own unique role, from building rich flavor to yielding that perfect crumbly bite and beautiful, festive look.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of the cookies’ texture and flavor, providing that classic melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Gives just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies turn golden around the edges.
• Large egg (1): Adds structure, binding all the ingredients for a cohesive, tender dough.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Provides warmth and depth of flavor to give the cookies a familiar, inviting taste.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): This secret ingredient enhances the overall aroma and makes the butter flavor sing.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the body of the cookies and ensures they keep their shape while baking.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a little lift, keeping the cookies pleasantly light.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and lifts the buttery notes upward.
• Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar: An essential touch for festive sparkle and joyful color—don’t be shy with these!

How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is warming, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze and helps your Christmas Butter Cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease) to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You want to work this mixture for about 2–3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy—this step is key for a tender, delicate crumb.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Working these in one at a time creates a perfectly smooth, creamy mixture that will help your cookies turn out especially rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stirring these together first guarantees the leavening and salt get evenly distributed, so every cookie comes out just right.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix using low speed or a gentle hand until no more dry streaks remain—go slowly for the most tender Christmas Butter Cookies. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything is combined.

Step 6: Shape and Decorate

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass (dip it in flour if it sticks), and then sprinkle generously with colored sprinkles or sanding sugar for that signature holiday sparkle.

Step 7: Bake!

Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies are at their best when they’re just set and still a bit pale in the center.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up beautifully so you can enjoy the perfect buttery texture in every bite.

How to Serve Christmas Butter Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra festive flourish, try dusting your Christmas Butter Cookies with powdered sugar just before serving or adding edible glitter for a magical, wintry finish. If you want to go all out, drizzle with a bit of melted white or dark chocolate—because who can resist chocolate and butter together?

Side Dishes

Christmas Butter Cookies are wonderful with all your favorite holiday beverages. Offer them alongside mugs of hot cocoa, fresh coffee, or steaming tea at your next gathering. For an ultra-special treat, serve with homemade eggnog or a spiced apple cider—the simple, rich flavor of the cookies lets those festive drinks really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your cookies into decorative holiday tins or glass jars tied with ribbon to make charming edible gifts. For cookie platters, alternate with gingerbread men, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or peppermint bark for a stunning, gift-worthy display. For parties, let kids decorate their own cookies with a spread of extra sprinkles and candies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Christmas Butter Cookies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week—you might have to hide the tin to make them last that long! If you want to keep them especially tender, tuck a slice of bread in with the cookies to help retain moisture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in single layers between sheets of parchment in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they’ll taste freshly baked.

Reheating

While there’s really no need to reheat Christmas Butter Cookies, you can refresh them by popping a few on a baking sheet and warming in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This perk-ups their texture and releases all those wonderful buttery aromas.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the cookie dough tightly wrapped for up to 2 days before baking. If the dough seems too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften before rolling and baking.

Can I swap out the almond extract?

Yes. If almond extract isn’t to your taste or if you have allergies, simply replace it with extra vanilla extract for classic Christmas Butter Cookies that still have plenty of rich, comforting flavor.

How do I make the cookies more colorful?

For a fun twist, divide your dough and tint portions with food coloring before shaping, or use cookie stamps for festive holiday patterns. Experiment with colored sugars or themed sprinkles to suit any holiday celebration!

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread more than you’d like, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. Soft, warm dough can lead to flatter cookies, so a quick chill will help them hold their shape and yield thicker, softer centers.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe doubles wonderfully. Just be sure to mix the dough in batches large enough for your mixer (or divide it into two bowls) to ensure everything comes together evenly.

Final Thoughts

If holiday cheer had a flavor, it would surely be found in a batch of these Christmas Butter Cookies. I hope this recipe makes its way into your favorite traditions, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with the warmth of the season. Gather your loved ones, bake a double batch, and spread the magic—these cookies are too good not to share!

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