Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe

Christmas is the season of cozy lights, warm gatherings, and sweet treats that fill every home with joy. Among all the holiday classics, Christmas Butter Cookies hold a special place. These cookies are soft, buttery, lightly crisp on the edges, and perfect for decorating with festive. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, gifting homemade treats, or baking with your family, this Christmas Butter Cookies recipe will become your go-to holiday tradition.

If you like these Christmas Butter Cookies, you should definitely try the Beef for Fondue Recipe and Christmas Cheesecake recipes

Ingredients of Christmas Butter Cookies 

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Christmas sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Cooling rack
• Airtight container for storage

How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The dough should look smooth and slightly pale.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Stir the dry ingredients to distribute the baking powder evenly.

Step 4: Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough forms. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. 

Step 5: Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into Christmas shapes: stars, trees, snowflakes, or gingerbread men. Place them on the baking sheet and add festive (optional sprinkles) if using.

Step 6: Bake for 9–12 minutes, depending on size. The edges should be very lightly golden, and the centers should still be soft.

Step 7: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or decorated with icing, melted chocolate, or colorful sugars.

Why You’ll Love These My Christmas Butter Cookies

• Classic holiday flavor – simple buttery goodness with a soft crumb.
• Easy dough – perfect for beginners and fun for kids to help with.
• Great for decorating – add sprinkles, icing, or dip in chocolate.
• Ideal for gifting – long shelf life and stays fresh for days.
• Make-ahead friendly – freeze the dough or baked cookies.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. They stay soft and flavorful.

Refrigerator: Not necessary, but they last 10–12 days if you prefer.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Freeze dough for up to 3 months (wrap tightly). Thaw before baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies

1. Use room-temperature butter for the best texture and easy mixing.
2. Do not skip chilling — it keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
3. Roll dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate.
4. Add almond extract for an extra festive flavor.
5. Use high-quality butter — it truly makes a difference in taste.
6. Decorate before baking if using sprinkles; decorate after baking if using icing.

Nutrition 

• Calories: 150–165kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 8–9g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

More Cookies Dessert To Try

• Italian Christmas Cookies
• No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake
• Sprinkle Cookies 
• Meringue Cookies

FAQs

1. Why are my butter cookies spreading?

A: Most likely the dough was too warm. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze it for months.

3. Can I use salted butter?

A: Yes, just reduce the salt in the recipe to a tiny pinch.

4. Can I decorate the cookies after baking?

A: Absolutely. Wait until they cool completely before adding icing or chocolate.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a perfect holiday treat: soft, buttery, and beautifully festive. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe works for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re preparing cookie boxes or hosting a holiday event, these cookies will add the perfect touch of sweetness to your Christmas celebrations.