The aroma of warm butter, sugar, and spices – is there anything more evocative of Christmas than freshly baked cookies? These butter Christmas cookies are a classic for a reason: they're simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. This recipe provides a delightful blend of buttery richness and subtle sweetness, making them an ideal addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Get ready to create some delicious homemade magic!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or other festive decorations
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand if you're feeling energetic! The key is to incorporate plenty of air for a tender cookie.
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg remaining.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly undermixing is better than overmixing as it will result in chewier cookies.
Step 4: Chilling the Dough
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
Step 6: Decorating and Baking
If desired, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade butter Christmas cookies!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or cinnamon to the dough.
- Make it festive: Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters for a holiday touch.
- Add nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Different sugars: Experiment with brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on size and additions. A typical small cookie might contain around:
- Calories: 80-100
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 5-7g
These butter Christmas cookies are a simple yet delightful addition to any holiday celebration. They're a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a perfect balance of homemade cooking and delicious dishes. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!