The aroma of warm, buttery cookies baking in the oven is the quintessential Christmas feeling. These Buttery Christmas Cookies are incredibly easy to make, yet deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseur. They're the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire, whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey. This recipe offers a simple, classic approach, easily customizable to your tastes. Get ready to fill your home with the sweet scent of the holidays!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Optional: Festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect buttery texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will work too!
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Adding Optional Mix-ins
If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cooling and Decorating
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can decorate them with festive sprinkles, or enjoy them plain.
Tips for the Best Buttery Christmas Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling and to prevent spreading, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spiced Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Glazed Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Fat: Approximately 6-7 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10 grams
These Buttery Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations. The ease of preparation and customizable options make this recipe a perfect choice for both experienced bakers and those just starting out in the kitchen. Happy baking!