Christmas Butter Cookies: Easy Recipe for the Holidays

Christmas Butter Cookies: Your Go-To Holiday Treat

The holidays are all about sharing love, laughter, and delicious treats, and these Christmas Butter Cookies fit the bill perfectly. With their buttery texture and festive charm, they’re ideal for family gatherings, homemade gifts, or just cozy moments at home with a warm drink.

Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to create soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will bring cheer to everyone around you!

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
• Optional: Melted chocolate and festive sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale. This step creates the tender, buttery texture of the cookies.

3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully mixed and smooth.

4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently until the dough comes together.

• If the dough is too stiff for piping, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smoother consistency.

5. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Shape the Cookies

• Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
• Pipe 1½-inch swirls onto the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
• No piping bag? No problem—shape the dough into rounds by hand!

7. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

• Tip: Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and delicate.

8. Cool and Decorate

• Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
• For a festive touch, dip the edges or tops into melted chocolate and sprinkle with colorful holiday decorations.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Butter Cookies

• Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted. This is key to achieving a creamy, pipeable dough.
• Piping Tips: Use a star tip for decorative swirls, but any tip (or shaping by hand) works beautifully.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To enjoy them longer, freeze the cookies and thaw as needed.

Serve with Holiday Cheer

These buttery Christmas Butter Cookies are delightful on their own but truly shine when paired with a hot cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee. Share them at festive gatherings, package them as homemade gifts, or enjoy them fresh out of the oven with loved ones.

🎄 Gather your family, get cozy, and make these simple, festive cookies a new holiday tradition. Happy baking! 🌟