Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the holiday season, where the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with loved ones warms our hearts. One classic cookie that never fails to bring cheer is the Christmas butter cookie. With its rich buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cookie is a must-have for any festive gathering. In this article, we will share a delightful Christmas butter cookies recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious Christmas butter cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. If desired, divide the dough into separate portions and add food coloring to create festive colors.

Step 2: Shaping the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the dough into festive holiday shapes. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them for spreading.

Step 3: Baking and Decorating

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate the cookies with sprinkles or colored sugar, adding an extra touch of holiday magic.

Keto and Low-Carb Variations

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy the festive flavors of Christmas butter cookies. Here’s a modified version of the recipe that will keep you on track:

2 cups almond flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Food coloring (optional)
Sugar-free sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration (optional)

Follow the same steps as mentioned above, substituting almond flour for all-purpose flour and a keto-friendly sweetener for powdered sugar. These keto-friendly Christmas butter cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.

Tips

– Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
– If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
– Experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookie cutters to add variety to your cookie platter.
– For a more pronounced flavor, add a dash of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough.
– Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Conclusion

As we enter the holiday season, the Christmas butter cookies recipe shared in this article will undoubtedly become a staple in your festive baking repertoire. The rich buttery taste, delicate texture, and customizable decorations make these cookies a delightful treat for both young and old. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or gift them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting the cookies.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cookies. The pinch of salt in the recipe is enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.

3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, they are so delicious that they rarely last that long!