Christmas Butter Cookies are soft, rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with simple ingredients and shaped into beautiful swirls or circles using a piping bag. They always remind me of cozy holiday baking days when buttery cookies filled the kitchen with warmth and sweetness, and everyone grabbed one the moment they cooled. Their delicate flavor, tender texture, and pretty shape make these Christmas Butter Cookies perfect for parties, gifting, and adding a classic touch to any holiday cookie tray.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Holiday sprinkles or melted chocolate for decorating (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light, creamy, and fluffy. This gives the cookies their soft, delicate texture.
Step 2: Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Step 4: Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix just until a soft, pipeable dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly thick but easy to squeeze.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or round tip.
Step 6: Pipe small circles or swirl shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 7: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 10–20 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9: Bake the chilled cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain pale.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 11: Decorate with sprinkles or drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
Variations
• Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist
• Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate
• Add food coloring to the dough for festive colors
• Use peppermint extract for a candy cane flavor
• Sprinkle coarse sugar before baking for extra sparkle
COOKING NOTES
• Use softened butter, not melted, for the right texture
• Chill piped cookies to help them keep their shape
• Pipe with a large tip so the dough squeezes smoothly
• Don’t overbake; edges should stay lightly golden
• Let cookies cool fully before decorating
Serving suggestions
• Serve on Christmas dessert trays
• Package in tins for gifting
• Pair with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee
• Add to holiday party dessert tables
• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look
Tips
• If dough feels too thick to pipe, beat in 1–2 teaspoons of milk
• Hold the piping bag straight for even circles
• Use parchment paper so cookies release cleanly
• Pipe similar sizes so they bake evenly
• Store carefully to protect delicate shapes
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chilling)
Nutritional Information
(Per cookie, based on 30 cookies)
Calories: ~80
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 1g
FAQs
Why is my dough too stiff to pipe?
- The butter may not be soft enough; let it sit at room temperature or add 1–2 teaspoons of milk to loosen the dough.
Why did my cookies lose their shape?
- They may not have been chilled long enough; always refrigerate piped cookies before baking.
Can I use a small piping tip?
- A small tip makes piping harder; a large star or round tip works best for smooth shapes.
Can I make the dough ahead?
- Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then let it soften slightly before piping.
Can I freeze the cookies?
- Yes, freeze baked cookies up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Christmas Butter Cookies are classic, buttery, and beautifully simple, making them a perfect holiday treat for gifting, parties, or cozy moments at home. Their pretty piped shapes and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a Christmas favorite that everyone will love.
