Description
Classic Christmas Butter Cookies that are tender, buttery, and perfect for holiday decorating. These delightful cookies are easy to make, with a rich buttery flavor enhanced by vanilla and almond extracts. Ideal for holiday parties and cookie exchanges, they can be decorated with sprinkles, colored sugar, or royal icing for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Decorations
- Holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or royal icing for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth dough base.
- Add Flavorings and Egg: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, mixing thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms that holds together without being sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies, then carefully transfer them onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and leave them on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate them with holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or use royal icing to add festive designs and colors.
Notes
- For a subtle almond flavor, adding almond extract is optional but recommended.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and to maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be just lightly golden at the edges to remain tender.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and for easier cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them fresh.
