Introduction
Craving something sweet and buttery to set the holiday mood? These Christmas Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to bring festive joy to your taste buds! With every bite, experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s simply irresistible.
Detailed Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles, colored sugar, or nonpareils (for decoration)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat your festive oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a jolly mixing session, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, embracing the holiday spirit.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, creating a dough that sings of Christmas cheer.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Get creative with your decorations by adding sprinkles and sugar.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack, spreading holiday magic around your kitchen.
Nutritional Info
Each buttery bite packs approximately 140 calories, with a delightful balance of carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy this festive treat and share the joy of Christmas with every delicious bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your festive oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a jolly mixing session, cream together the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, fully incorporating them into the mixture and embracing the holiday spirit.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture to create a smooth dough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Get creative with your decorations by adding sprinkles, colored sugar, or nonpareils on top of each ball.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool down, letting the holiday magic spread throughout the kitchen.
Notes
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Customization
Feel free to modify the decorations based on personal preferences or holiday themes; chocolate chips or nuts can also be added for variety.
Nutritional Information
Each buttery cookie bite contains approximately 140 calories and offers a delightful balance of carbohydrates and fats.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Start by softening unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing. Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a lighter texture for your cookies.
Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients
When adding the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients. Gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed mixture to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution.
Rolling the Dough
Once your dough is mixed, use your hands to roll it into uniform balls. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Make sure to space them out on the baking sheet since they will spread during baking.
Decorating the Cookies
Before baking, add your choice of sprinkles, colored sugar, or nonpareils on top of the dough balls. This adds a festive touch to your cookies and enhances their visual appeal.
Baking Perfect Cookies
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven, monitoring them closely. They should be removed when the edges are just turning golden to ensure a soft and buttery center.
FAQ
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
While margarine can be used, it may affect both the texture and flavor of the cookies. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
In addition to sprinkles, consider adding festive flavorings like almond extract or incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the dough.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll and shape.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but be aware that it may change the texture and flavor. Start with a 50-50 ratio to see how you like it.
Conclusion
These Christmas Butter Cookies are not only easy to make but also offer a delightful treat that embodies the essence of holiday baking. Enjoy the process, share with friends and family, and indulge in the festive spirit!
