Christmas Butter Cookies – A Classic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Holiday Treat
When the holiday season arrives, nothing captures the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas quite like a batch of fresh, homemade Christmas Butter Cookies. These timeless cookies are known for their rich buttery flavor, crisp edges, and soft meltaway centers that practically dissolve on your tongue. Whether you prefer elegant piped rosettes or charming cut-out stars dusted with powdered sugar, this recipe delivers bakery-level results with simple pantry ingredients.
Their versatility, long shelf life, and festive appearance make them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert tables, edible gifts, or simply pairing with a cozy mug of hot chocolate by the Christmas tree. If you’re searching for the perfect holiday cookie that’s both easy and impressive, these Christmas Butter Cookies will become your new seasonal tradition.
Ingredients and Their Purpose
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (225g), softened
Provides the rich, classic buttery foundation. Softened butter whips easily, giving the cookies their light, tender crumb. - Powdered sugar – ½ cup (60g)
Dissolves quickly and creates a smooth, delicate texture unlike granulated sugar, which can make cookies grainy. - Egg – 1 large
Adds structure and moisture, helping the dough bind while giving the cookies a slightly softer center. - Vanilla extract – 1 tbsp
Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes that complement the butter beautifully. - All-purpose flour – 2 cups (250g)
Builds the structure of the cookie so it holds its shape whether piped or cut out. - Cornstarch – ¼ cup (30g)
The secret ingredient for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. It softens the dough and prevents toughness. - Salt – a pinch
Balances sweetness and deepens the butter’s natural flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter until smooth, creamy, and pale. Add the powdered sugar and mix until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, giving the cookies their delicate texture.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture looks silky.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. Shape the Cookies
For cut-out star cookies:
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes.
- Roll out on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into star shapes using your favorite cookie cutter.
For piped star or rosette cookies:
- Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.
- Pipe rosettes or star shapes onto a lined baking tray.
5. Bake
Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 10–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely so they firm up and stay crisp.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
- Classic buttery flavor perfect for Christmas.
- Perfect texture: crisp edges with meltaway centers.
- Adaptable for decorating, dipping, or gifting.
- Works beautifully for both piped and cut-out designs.
- Uses simple ingredients nearly everyone has at home.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot chocolate, spiced tea, or warm apple cider.
- Add to a Christmas dessert platter alongside fudge, truffles, and gingerbread.
- Wrap in festive bags or tins for beautiful holiday gifts.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant finish.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Butter Cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be — simple, elegant, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether piped into beautiful shapes or cut into classic stars, these cookies deliver old-fashioned charm with modern ease. Their flawless texture and rich buttery flavor make them stand out against similar recipes online.
If you’re looking for a holiday cookie recipe that consistently impresses, stores well, and never fails, this one will quickly become your go-to Christmas tradition.