Every December, my kitchen smells like home — warm butter, sugar, and vanilla fill the air as I roll out tray after tray of Christmas Butter Cookies. It started years ago when my grandma handed me her old tin cookie press and told me to “just have fun with it.” I did, and those delicate golden cookies became a family tradition. Now, my kids press their own shapes — trees, stars, and snowflakes — while Christmas music hums in the background. These cookies aren’t just dessert; they’re little edible memories, the kind that remind us that joy can come from simple things like creamed butter and sugar.
If you’ve ever enjoyed my Vanilla Shortbread Fingers or Holiday Sugar Cookies from Quickycook.com
you’ll love this melt-in-your-mouth classic.
Christmas Butter Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
- Add the yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine dry ingredients — flour, cornstarch, and salt — in a separate bowl, then slowly blend them into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll or press into shapes.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough and cut with cookie cutters, or use a cookie press for classic designs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
- Cool on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up as they cool — the perfect buttery bite.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Secret to Perfect Christmas Butter CookiesWhy Butter Quality Matters
Good butter cookies start with one thing: real butter. Don’t substitute it with margarine or oil. The rich fat in real butter gives the dough its structure and that distinct melt-on-the-tongue texture. European-style butter, with its higher fat content, brings an even deeper flavor that’s worth every bite.
When you cream your butter and sugar together, take your time — it should look pale and fluffy before you add the eggs and vanilla. This step traps air, giving your cookies that delicate crispness.
The Magic Ratio of Ingredients
For perfect Christmas butter cookies, the golden ratio is 1 cup butter : ½ cup sugar : 2 cups flour. This keeps the dough soft but sturdy enough to shape. A little cornstarch adds tenderness, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
If you love simple dough recipes, check out My Best Shortbread Base for Holiday Baking on Quickycook.com
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra aroma
Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
- Add the yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine dry ingredients — flour, cornstarch, and salt — in a separate bowl, then slowly blend them into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll or press into shapes.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough and cut with cookie cutters, or use a cookie press for classic designs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
- Cool on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up as they cool — the perfect buttery bite.
For more festive cookie inspiration, try the No-Chill Gingerbread Stars at Quickycook.com/cookies.
Decorating and Flavor Variations
Decorating Ideas
Once baked, butter cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. Brush them with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk, or dip the edges in melted chocolate and top with crushed peppermint. Kids love decorating with red and green sprinkles — just add them before baking so they stick.
You can even sandwich two cookies with raspberry jam for a butter cookie sandwich, similar to my Cherry Linzer Treats on Quickycook.com/cherrybakes.
Flavor Twists
If you want to change things up, here are quick ideas:
- Add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy note.
- Mix in ground cinnamon for a spiced version.
- Substitute part of the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
Storage and Serving
How to Store
Christmas butter cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 10 days, or freeze them for up to three months. Layer them with parchment to prevent sticking.
When defrosting, just let them come to room temperature — they’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them.
Serving Tips
Serve these cookies with coffee, cocoa, or eggnog. I like wrapping them in clear bags tied with twine for neighbor gifts — they always disappear quickly. For more gifting ideas, visit Holiday Edible Gift Hacks at Quickycook.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do Christmas butter cookies stay fresh?
They stay crisp and delicious for up to 10 days in a sealed tin or 3 months in the freezer.
2. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes! Wrap the dough in plastic, then freeze. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before shaping and baking.
3. Why are my butter cookies hard?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause this. Stop mixing once the dough forms and bake only until the edges are light golden.
4. What’s the best way to decorate them?
Try dipping one side in white chocolate or topping them with festive sprinkles. You can also drizzle colored icing for a fun look.
Conclusion
Christmas Butter Cookies are a timeless classic — golden, crisp on the outside, and tender inside. They remind us that the simplest recipes often hold the most joy. Whether you bake them with family or gift them to friends, these cookies bring warmth to every holiday moment.
If this recipe made your heart (and kitchen) happy, try our Snowflake Shortbread or Peppermint Meltaways on Quickycook.com/. They pair beautifully with your holiday cookie platter.