Getting into the holiday spirit just got a whole lot sweeter! There’s nothing like baking up a batch (or three) of Christmas cookies to fill your home with the warm and cozy aromas of the season. And what’s better than classic butter cookies? How about 18 different festive recipes to try, each one more delicious and merry than the last?
From classic vanilla to chocolate-dipped masterpieces, we’ve got you covered with our collection of Christmas butter cookie recipes. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet elegant treat or something a little more playful and fun, there’s something on this list for everyone.
In the following pages, we’ll be sharing our favorite festive holiday cookie recipes, each one guaranteed to bring joy and cheer to your holiday gatherings. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat those ovens, and get ready to deck the halls with sugar and spice!
Classic Vanilla Christmas Butter Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these tender, buttery cookies infused with the warm scent of vanilla. A classic Christmas treat that’s sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies with Sprinkles
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these scrumptious Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies with Sprinkles!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Sprinkles of your choice (colored or plain)
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before dipping in melted chocolate and sprinkling with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Enjoy your deliciously sweet Chocolate-Dipped Butter Cookies with Sprinkles!
Cinnamon Spiced Butter Cookies
These chewy cookies are infused with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of butter, perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by cinnamon.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Peppermint Crunch Butter Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these refreshing peppermint crunch butter cookies. Perfect for gift-giving or a sweet treat for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (peppermint crunch)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and peppermint extract.
3. Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Stir in crushed candy canes.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Glazed Butter Cookies
Brighten up your cookie game with these tangy and sweet Lemon Glazed Butter Cookies! With a shortbread-like texture and a burst of citrus flavor, they’re perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
4. Gradually add flour and salt; mix until just combined.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between cookies.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Almond Butter Cookies with Icing
Sweet Almond Butter Cookies with Icing Recipe
About this recipe: These chewy cookies combine the nutty flavor of almond butter with a hint of vanilla and sweetness, topped off with a creamy icing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Colored icing of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add almond butter and mix until combined.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Icing:
1. Mix together powdered sugar and a splash of milk to achieve desired consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired.
2. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies. Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Gingerbread Butter Cookies
Gingerbread Butter Cookies Recipe
Warm up with a classic holiday treat that combines the spices of gingerbread with the richness of buttery goodness. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Yield: Approximately 24-30 cookies
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Maple Walnut Butter Cookies
Maple Walnut Butter Cookies Recipe
Rich and buttery cookies infused with the warm flavors of maple syrup and walnuts, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and maple syrup until light and fluffy.
4. Add chopped walnuts and mix until well combined.
5. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Orange Zest Butter Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these scrumptious Orange Zest Butter Cookies, bursting with citrusy flavor and a hint of warmth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in orange zest.
4. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cranberry White Chocolate Butter Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these sweet and tangy treats that combine the flavors of white chocolate, cranberries, and butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Eggnog Butter Cookies with Nutmeg
These soft-baked cookies are infused with the warm spices of eggnog and topped with a crunchy nutmeg crust. Perfect for a holiday treat or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup eggnog
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Nutmeg, for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggnog, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Raspberry Thumbprint Butter Cookies
A classic cookie recipe gets a sweet twist with the addition of fresh raspberries and a delicate thumbprint design.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in raspberries.
6. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place cookies onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Use your thumb or the end of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Coconut Snowball Butter Cookies
A sweet treat perfect for winter, these soft and chewy cookies combine the warmth of butter with the chill of coconut flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour, coconut flakes, and salt (if using), mixing until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pistachio Rose Butter Cookies
Pistachio Rose Butter Cookies: A Delicate Treat
These elegant cookies combine the nutty flavor of pistachios with the subtle sweetness of rose butter, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or afternoon tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon rosewater
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add confectioners’ sugar, rosewater, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Stir in pistachios and flour until a dough forms. Season with salt to taste.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Yield: About 24 cookies
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
These chewy cookies have a rich, caramel-like flavor from the browned butter and a delightful crunch from the toasted pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugars until dissolved.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in toasted pecans.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Cardamom Honey Butter Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom and the sweetness of honey. These soft-baked treats are perfect for a sweet surprise.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and honey until smooth. Add sugar and beat until combined.
3. Beat in eggs and cardamom. Gradually add flour and baking powder; mix until a dough forms.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Red Velvet Butter Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies combine the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the richness of butter, perfect for a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup red velvet cake mix (crushed)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour and crushed cake mix; mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Caramel Stuffed Butter Cookies
Caramel Stuffed Butter Cookies Recipe
Treat your loved ones with these rich and buttery cookies filled with gooey caramel.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Spoon a small amount of caramel sauce onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get into the holiday spirit with these 18 festive Christmas butter cookies recipes! From classic vanilla to chocolate-dipped and sprinkled, cinnamon spiced to peppermint crunch, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste. Plus, get creative with glazes, icings, and toppings like lemon, almond, gingerbread, maple walnut, orange zest, cranberry white chocolate, eggnog, raspberry thumbprint, coconut snowball, pistachio rose, brown butter pecan, cardamom honey, red velvet, and caramel stuffed. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun holiday activity to do with the family, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your Christmas celebrations!
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