Christmas is a time for baking, and these delightful butter cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends. With their rich buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are sure to become a holiday favorite. The simple dough is easy to make and can be cut into your favorite festive shapes, making them perfect for decorating with colorful sprinkles or icing.
These butter cookies not only taste amazing, but they also fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked goods. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
For perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
If you want to add a twist, try incorporating almond or vanilla extract into the dough for an extra layer of flavor. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday gifting!