As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a hub of warmth and nostalgia, filled with the comforting scent of baked treats. One of my absolute favorites during this festive time is my Holiday Butter Cookies. These little gems bring back memories of family gatherings, where laughter mingles with the sweet fragrance of vanilla and buttery goodness wafting through the air.
You won’t believe how simple they are to make! With just a handful of ingredients—like rich butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of cornstarch—these cookies come together effortlessly. Perfect for decorating with festive sprinkles or enjoying straight from the oven, their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a crowd-pleaser for everyone, from children to adults. Let me share this recipe with you, so you can fill your home with delightful aromas and create some unforgettable holiday memories too!
Why are Holiday Butter Cookies a must-try?
Easy to Make: You’ll be delighted to find that these cookies come together with minimal effort and no complicated techniques.
Irresistibly Buttery: The rich butter and vanilla create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that your family will adore.
Festive Customization: Feel free to add your favorite holiday sprinkles or icing!
Ideal for Gifting: Pack them up in festive tins for a delightful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: While they shine during the holidays, these cookies are delightful all year round! You might also want to check out more cookie recipes to keep your baking adventures exciting!
Holiday Butter Cookie Ingredients
• Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Dough
- 1 cup butter – The star ingredient for that rich, buttery flavor.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla – Enhances the aromatic quality, making these cookies truly irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A pinch is essential to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for the cookies, providing structure and stability.
- ½ cup cornstarch – Creates a tender crumb that makes these Holiday Butter Cookies light and airy.
Feel free to gather these ingredients, and let’s get started on creating some mouthwatering memories in your kitchen!
How to Make Holiday Butter Cookies
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Cream Together: Start by creaming 1 cup of butter and ¼ cup of powdered sugar in a large bowl. Mix until it’s smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures your cookies will be light!
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Add Flavors: Mix in 2 ½ teaspoons of vanilla and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well until incorporated, letting the sweet aroma fill your kitchen and hint at the deliciousness to come!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of cornstarch. Stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender and delightful!
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Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavor.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the sheet, leaving space between each.
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Watch for Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Holiday Butter Cookies?
As you whip up these delightful treats, envision a festive spread that complements their buttery sweetness.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: This classic pairing enhances the cookies’ flavors and adds a cozy touch, perfect for sipping by the fire.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries like raspberries or strawberries provides a refreshing balance to the buttery richness of the cookies. Enjoy them as a light side for a delightful contrast!
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm cookies—it’s a match made in dessert heaven, turning your holiday treat into a luscious experience.
- Milk or Non-Dairy Milk: A cold glass of milk, whether traditional or almond, brings a nostalgic feel and complements the sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Spiced Eggnog: Embrace the holiday spirit with a cup of spiced eggnog, which pairs seamlessly with the buttery flavors—it’s a festive indulgence that’s hard to resist.
- Almond Biscotti: These crunchy cookies beautifully contrast with the softness of the butter cookies, providing a delightful textural variety that will keep your guests reaching for more.
- Decorative Sugar Cookies: Offer a variety of festive treats! These sugar cookies can be decorated for added color and sweetness, making your dessert spread even more delightful.
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: Their moist, rich quality brings a plush texture that complements your Holiday Butter Cookies. Plus, they add a vibrant pop of color to your sweet table!
Holiday Butter Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these holiday delights and customize every bite to suit your taste!
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Nutty Bliss: Add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
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Chocolate Delight: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, sweet contrast that chocolate lovers will adore. The combination of buttery and chocolatey flavors is truly irresistible!
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange to brighten the cookies, adding a fresh, zesty twist that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to share the joy of these cookies with everyone. Just ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Spiced Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that evokes cozy holiday memories.
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Coconut Flakes: Fold in ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut to introduce a tropical flavor and chewy texture that adds a fun surprise to each bite.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Top the raw cookie dough balls with festive holiday sprinkles before baking, making your cookies as festive as they are delicious. They’ll shine with cheerful colors!
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Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter, and substitute powdered sugar with a vegan-friendly option for a delicious plant-based cookie. Each bite will melt away just like the classic version!
How to Store and Freeze Holiday Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store unopened cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, keep your cookies in the fridge for extended freshness up to 10 days, ensuring they stay tasty and cool.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature and briefly warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, restoring their delightful texture.
Tips for the Best Holiday Butter Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Cooling the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading, ensuring your Holiday Butter Cookies maintain perfectly round shapes.
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Don’t Overmix: Stir the flour and cornstarch just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you desire.
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Oven Temperature Matters: Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking. A properly heated oven helps the cookies rise correctly and achieve that lovely golden edge.
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Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing. This ensures even baking, so all your cookies will be just as delicious!
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Dust for Festivity: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle your cooled cookies with powdered sugar. It adds visual appeal and a hint of sweetness!
Make Ahead Options
These Holiday Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy your festive baking without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. This not only saves you time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. If you want to make them even further ahead, the unbaked dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, ensuring you have warm, buttery cookies ready for the holidays!
Holiday Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for Holiday Butter Cookies?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor control. It allows you to manage the salt content since the recipe already includes 1 teaspoon of salt. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve that beautiful, creamy consistency when mixing with the powdered sugar.
How do I know when my cookies are perfectly baked?
Perfectly baked Holiday Butter Cookies will be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center, usually taking about 12-15 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). If they’re too golden or have started to brown, they may be overbaked. Keep an eye on them, and take them out just when those lovely edges start to turn!
Can I freeze the dough for Holiday Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. After mixing, form it into a log or disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight, slice into rounds, and bake as directed. It saves time and makes last-minute baking a breeze!
How should I store my Holiday Butter Cookies?
For best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to keep them in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 10 days. Just ensure they are sealed to avoid any drying out!
Can I use alternatives for cornstarch in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of powdered sugar or even cake flour if you’re in a pinch. However, using cornstarch is what gives the cookies that light, melt-in-your-mouth quality, so I highly recommend sticking with it if you can!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than expected, they may not have been chilled enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If they still spread, you can try adding a little more flour or cornstarch next time to achieve that perfect, tender texture without sacrificing shape.
Delicious Holiday Butter Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together 1 cup of butter and ¼ cup of powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in 2 ½ teaspoons of vanilla and 1 teaspoon of salt until well incorporated.
- Gradually add in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of cornstarch, stirring until just combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.