Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a classic treat that brings warmth and joy to any festive occasion, this Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These cookies are tender, buttery, and melt in your mouth with each bite, perfectly sweetened and lightly dusted with powdered sugar to create that delightful holiday sparkle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising to fill your home with irresistible aromas and bring smiles all around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, coming together simply yet harmoniously to create cookies that are rich in flavor and beautifully textured. From the creamy butter to the delicate cornstarch, every element is essential for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• 1 cup butter: Provides that luscious richness and tender crumb crucial to butter cookies.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in creating a delicate texture.
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla: Infuses an inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure to your cookies.
• ½ cup cornstarch: Keeps the cookies soft and adds a subtle tenderness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies for that signature snowy holiday look.

How to Make Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by placing your butter, sugar, and powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cream these together at medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the mixture, giving your cookies a light, tender texture. Then, add the vanilla and mix well to infuse that warm, comforting scent into the dough.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch. This mixture keeps your cookies tender and gives them a lovely crumbly texture without heaviness. Once combined, gradually add these dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture and mix at medium speed until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, transfer it onto a heavily floured surface and knead gently until smooth and manageable.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

This step might require some patience, but it’s rewarded with perfect cookies. Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. You can also leave it overnight or even longer if you’re prepping ahead. Chilling firms up the dough so shaping the cookies becomes much easier, and it helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 370°F and give it about 10 minutes to come to temperature. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting the right temperature ensures your cookies bake evenly, developing a delicate golden color with a tender center.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions and roll each into a small ball. Place these on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for about 12 minutes. The cookies may still feel slightly soft when you take them out – that’s perfectly fine, as they will continue to set as they cool, retaining their soft, buttery texture.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once your cookies have cooled just enough to handle but are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. This step gives them that iconic holiday sparkle and an extra hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery base. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.

How to Serve Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a festive twist, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate once the cookies are cooled. You can also add a dusting of cinnamon or a tiny pinch of edible gold dust to make these cookies shine even brighter on the holiday cookie tray.

Side Dishes

These buttery cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, spiced mulled wine, or a classic cup of tea. Their rich texture and subtle sweetness are a delightful counterpoint to warm, comforting drinks during chilly holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins or holly leaves for a charming presentation. You could also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons as thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or coworkers—spread the holiday cheer one buttery bite at a time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cookies, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them a perfect sweet treat to nibble on throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For the dough, shape it into a log, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. If freezing baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a container once frozen to avoid sticking.

Reheating

If your cookies soften in the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture and aroma, making them irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but be mindful of the salt quantity in the recipe. If using salted butter, you might want to reduce or omit the additional salt to maintain the perfect balance of flavor in your Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe.

What’s the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture by softening the gluten in the flour. It gives the cookies that delicate crumb that’s so characteristic of delightful butter cookies.

Can I add flavors or spices to the dough?

Absolutely! While the classic vanilla flavor is lovely, adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even almond extract can add a personal holiday touch to your cookies. Just be sure not to overpower the buttery base.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking is key. The butter firms up, so the cookies hold their shape better during baking. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Can I decorate these cookies with icing?

Yes! Once fully cooled, these cookies provide a perfect canvas for royal icing or colored glaze for holiday decorations, making your baked goods both tasty and visually festive.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe is truly a timeless classic that brings a comforting warmth to your kitchen and a smile to your guests’ faces. It’s simple enough for anyone to make but special enough to make any holiday celebration sparkle. So roll up your sleeves, get that butter creaming, and share the joy baked into every buttery bite of these delightful cookies!

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