Holiday Butter Cookies
Introduction
These Holiday Butter Cookies are beloved for their delicate crumb, rich buttery flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for large-batch baking—ideal for gifting, cookie swaps, festive gatherings, or simply filling up the holiday cookie jar. Despite their simplicity, the cookies deliver classic comfort and timeless flavor, which is why they remain a family favorite year after year.
Ingredients & Quantities
(Yields approximately 4–5 dozen; scale up for larger batches.)
1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light, pale, and creamy.
2. Add egg and vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
4. Form the dough
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
5. Chill (optional but recommended)
Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes for cleaner shapes and enhanced texture.
6. Shape the cookies
Roll into 1-inch balls, press with a fork or glass, or use cookie cutters if rolling out dough.
7. Bake
Place on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool and serve
Let cookies cool on the sheet 5 minutes before moving to a rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight tin.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Butter cookies have deep roots in European baking traditions—particularly in Denmark and Germany—where simple, buttery treats symbolize hospitality and holiday warmth. Over time, this style of cookie spread globally, becoming a staple of Christmas baking in many homes. Their simplicity makes them highly adaptable: they can be rolled, pressed, shaped, dipped, sprinkled, or filled, allowing each family to create its own cherished version. For many, including your own tradition of making hundreds, these cookies signify love, generosity, and the joy of sharing during the holiday season.
Description
These cookies feature a tender, soft interior with lightly crisp edges. Their flavor is rich with butter and soft sweetness, making them versatile enough for decorating or enjoying plain. They pair perfectly with coffee, cocoa, or a holiday mug of tea.
Optional Additions
Sprinkles or colored sugar
Almond extract (½ teaspoon for a Danish touch)
Chocolate dip (melted dark, milk, or white chocolate)
Citrus zest (lemon or orange)
Crushed peppermint
Jam centers (thumbprint style)
Cinnamon sugar coating
Tips for Success
Use good-quality butter—it’s the star of the recipe.
Don’t over-mix once the flour goes in; this keeps the cookies tender.
Chill the dough for best shape retention.
Watch closely near the end of baking—butter cookies brown quickly.
Bake one test cookie to adjust time or temperature if needed.
Nutritional Information (approx. per cookie)
Calories: ~85
Fat: 4.5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Sugar: 5 g
Protein: 1 g
(Varies based on size and toppings.)
Conclusion
These Holiday Butter Cookies prove that the simplest recipes often become the most beloved. They’re reliable, adaptable, and perfect for making in huge batches—as you do every Christmas—bringing joy to anyone who tastes them.
Recommendation
If you plan to bake 500 or more, prepare the dough in batches, freeze it in logs or discs, and bake fresh throughout the season. This keeps the cookies tasting buttery and vibrant while saving you time.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While these cookies are a delightful holiday treat, mindful enjoyment adds to the experience. Pair them with fresh fruit, tea, or nuts, savor them slowly, and focus on quality over quantity. Baking for others spreads joy—so celebrate the season with balance, warmth, and intention.
If you’d like, I can rewrite this for a different type of cookie, add storage/freezing instructions, or help you scale the recipe to 500 cookies.
