why make this recipe
Holiday Butter Cookies are a wonderful treat to share during the festive season. They are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for decorating with family and friends. These cookies bring warmth and cheer to any gathering, and their buttery flavor pairs well with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. Plus, they can brighten up your holiday dessert table with their festive shapes and colorful decorations.
how to make Holiday Butter Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional but delicious!)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For Decorating:
- Royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze
- Food coloring (red, green, gold—festive classics!)
- Sprinkles
- Sanding sugar
- Edible pearls
Directions
- Cream the Butter & Sugar: Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale.
- Add Eggs & Extracts: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and almond extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Form the Dough: Add the dry mixture gradually into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll & Cut: Roll the dough onto a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use holiday-shaped cutters: stars, trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread people!
- Bake: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until the edges barely turn golden.
- Decorate: Cool completely before icing and decorating with your holiday flair.
how to serve Holiday Butter Cookies
Serve Holiday Butter Cookies on a festive platter or in a decorated tin. They make a great addition to any holiday party or gathering. You can also package them as gifts, sharing the joy of homemade treats with friends and family.
how to store Holiday Butter Cookies
Store your Holiday Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
tips to make Holiday Butter Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy blending.
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Use different cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes and make the presentation special.
- Experiment with colors and sprinkles when decorating to match your holiday theme.
variation
You can add different flavors to the dough, such as lemon zest or peppermint extract, for unique twists on this classic cookie. You may also switch up the decorations by using chocolate chips or different kinds of sprinkles.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking.
Q2: Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Q3: How can I make the icing for decorating?
You can make a simple powdered sugar glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more milk for a thinner icing.
