Introduction:
Indulge in the joy of holiday baking with the delightful aroma of freshly baked Christmas Butter Cookies wafting through your kitchen. These classic treats are perfect for spreading festive cheer and creating lasting memories with loved ones. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
Christmas Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Assorted colored sugars or sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
4. Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Decorate the cookies with colored sugars or sprinkles before baking for that extra special touch.
8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
9. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Continue rolling out the remaining dough and cutting out cookies until it’s all used up.
Enjoy these delicious Christmas Butter Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. They make wonderful treats for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as heartfelt gifts for friends and family. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
With their buttery richness and festive decorations, these cookies are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face this holiday season. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and bake up a batch of these delightful Christmas Butter Cookies to create delicious moments that will be cherished for years to come. Happy baking!
