Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery Goodness: Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor of these cookies.
- Festive Touch: The chocolate dip and colorful sprinkles add a festive flair.
- Holiday Treat: Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a special holiday treat.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix well.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a soft texture.
Step 4: Pipe the Cookies
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirls onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate. Sprinkle with festive red, green, and white sprinkles.
Step 7: Set and Store
Allow the chocolate to harden by letting the cookies sit at room temperature or refrigerating them briefly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to a month.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts to the dough for a crunchy twist.
- Citrus Zest: Mix in grated lemon or orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
- White Chocolate Dip: Swap dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- Sprinkle Alternatives: Experiment with edible glitter or different sprinkle colors.
What to Serve With Christmas Butter Cookies
- Hot Cocoa: Pair with a cup of steaming hot cocoa.
- Peppermint Tea: Enjoy with a refreshing cup of peppermint tea.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Eggnog: Complement the cookies with a glass of creamy eggnog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze These Cookies ?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How Long Do They Stay Fresh ?
Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Can I Use Milk Chocolate Instead of Dark Chocolate ?
Absolutely! Use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Can I Skip the Almond Extract ?
Yes, almond extract is optional and can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor.
These Christmas Butter Cookies combine rich buttery flavors with the sweetness of chocolate and festive sprinkles. They’re a perfect addition to holiday gatherings, making your table more cheerful and delicious. The aroma of freshly baked cookies will fill your home with holiday spirit !
Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract optional
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing.
- Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe swirls onto the baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Sprinkle with festive red, green, and white sprinkles.
- Allow the chocolate to harden by letting the cookies sit at room temperature or refrigerating them briefly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to a month.