Christmas Butter Cookies
Enjoy these buttery delights and make sweet holiday memories!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup 227g unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
- 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Colored sugar
- Sprinkles
- Royal icing
Instructions
Prepare the Butter:
- Allow butter to soften at room temperature until pliable but not melted.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Flavor the Dough:
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined.
Incorporate Flour:
- Gradually mix in the flour on low speed until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create shapes.
Bake:
- Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate:
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Decorate as desired.
Notes
Storage Tips
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies or dough for up to 1 month.