CLASSIC CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIE RECIPE

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🎄 CLASSIC CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIE RECIPE 🎄
Yields: about 5 dozen cookies

✨ Introduction

Nothing says Christmas like the aroma of buttery cookies baking in the oven. These Classic Christmas Butter Cookies are tender, lightly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with simple pantry ingredients and rich real butter, they are perfect for holiday platters, cookie exchanges, gifting, or cozy moments with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. This is the kind of timeless recipe that brings generations together every December.

🧈 Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened (no substitutions – butter is the soul of this cookie)
  • 1½ cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Optional Flavor Add-Ins

  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange
  • Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar
  • Melted chocolate for dipping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter & Sugar
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until pale, fluffy, and smooth.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients
    Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Form the Dough
    Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
  5. Chill the Dough
    Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes for easier shaping.
  6. Shape the Cookies
    Roll into small balls, press with a fork, pipe through a cookie press, or cut with festive cutters.
  7. Bake
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Cool & Decorate
    Cool on a wire rack. Decorate with icing, sugar, or chocolate if desired.

🔧 Methods (Baking Techniques)

  • Creaming Method: Ensures light, tender cookies
  • Chilling Method: Prevents spreading and improves texture
  • Low Sugar Method: Keeps cookies delicate, not crunchy
  • Gentle Mixing: Prevents tough cookies

📜 History of Christmas Butter Cookies

Butter cookies trace their roots to European Christmas traditions, especially in Denmark, Germany, and Austria, where rich butter-based doughs symbolized celebration and prosperity. These cookies were often shaped into stars, wreaths, and hearts, baked once a year to mark the holiday season. Over time, they became a beloved Christmas staple worldwide.

🧁 Formation & Shaping Ideas

  • Piped swirls for classic elegance
  • Star, tree, or snowflake cutters
  • Thumbprint centers filled with jam
  • Half-dipped in chocolate
  • Sandwich with buttercream or ganache

🎄 Cookie Lovers Will Love This Recipe Because

  • Ultra-buttery and rich flavor
  • Soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture
  • Not overly sweet
  • Perfect for decorating
  • Freezes beautifully
  • Kid-friendly and festive

❤️ Methods with Lovers (Perfect Pairings)

  • With hot chocolate on Christmas Eve
  • With coffee or espresso after dinner
  • As a holiday gift box treat
  • With vanilla ice cream
  • Enjoyed while decorating the tree

🌟 Conclusion

These Classic Christmas Butter Cookies are more than just a dessert — they are a holiday tradition baked with love. Simple, elegant, and endlessly versatile, they deserve a place on every Christmas table. Once you make them, they’ll become a recipe you return to year after year.

🎁 Bake. Share. Celebrate.
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

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