This old-fashioned Christmas butter cookie recipe has been in my family for generations. It’s one of those classic recipes that always turn out so delicious and go perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa on cold winter evenings.
The best part about this butter cookie recipe is that it is super easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be made ahead of time to make your holiday baking experience even easier. So grab a mixing bowl, and some simple ingredients and get ready to make some delicious Christmas butter cookies!
I know the Holidays can be stressful, but I love the Holiday season and its fun atmosphere. It brings out the child in me. My sons love decorating the tree and I love baking! I have to watch myself because if I eat what I bake, I will start the New Year on a diet. lol.
I try to save some for a cookie exchange. Everyone will love these old-fashioned sugar cookies!
Tips for Making Butter Cookies
- I like to make the dough ahead of time so that we can have “cookie days” without the actual baking.
- To make a crispy butter cookie, leave the dough in the oven longer.
- For soft butter cookies, leave the dough in the oven for a shorter period of time.
Supplies for Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies
- Cookie Sheets
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
- Large Bowl
- Airtight Container
- Cookie Scoop (optional)
- Cookie Press (optional)
- Cookie Tray
- Piping Bag
- Cookie Tin (optional)
- Hand Mixer
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Rack
- Plastic Wrap
- Christmas Shop
- White Cookie Icing
- Green Icing
- Red icing
- Candy Eyeballs (googly eyes)
Visit Wilton’s Christmas Shop
Ingredients for Cookie Dough Christmas Cookies
Dry Ingredients
– 1/2 cup of white sugar
– 3 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Wet Ingredients
-1 cup of softened butter (unsalted butter)
– 2 eggs(with egg yolks), lightly beaten
– 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
– Decorative sugar, sprinkles, or extra white sugar for rolling the cookies in.
Instructions for Holiday Cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time and mix until fully incorporated at low speed, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt; add this to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl and stir until everything is combined into a soft dough at high speed.
5. Use a rolling pin to roll the cookie dough out using cookie cutters. OR Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in either decorative sugar, sprinkles, or extra white sugar (if desired). Place on the prepared baking sheet and press down slightly with a fork.
6. In the preheated oven, bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. I like crisp edges! But some people like chewy cookies, so in that case maybe a little less time baking.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie tray before serving and enjoy!
Tips for Baking and Designing Cookies.
- put the dough in refrigerator to cool down before using
- use flour on rolling pin so dough doesn’t stick
- use parchment paper to roll dough so it doesn’t stick
- You can change out the vanilla extract for almond extract.
- You can leave them out at room temperature.
- Add some decorative sugars!
- Use black sprinkles for eyes and snowman hat, gel is messy / googly eyes also work
- Use Fondant for black too for eye’s if needed
Butter Cookie Recipe Card (full printable recipe card)
Old-fashioned Christmas Butter Cookies Recipe
butter cookies recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of softened butter (unsalted butter)
- 2 eggs(with egg yolks), lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Decorative sugar, sprinkles, or extra white sugar for rolling the cookies in
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time and mix until fully incorporated at low speed, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt; add this to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl and stir until everything is combined into a soft dough at high speed.
5. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in either decorative sugar, sprinkles, or extra white sugar (if desired). Place on the prepared baking sheet and press down slightly with a fork.
6. In the preheated oven, bake for 6-10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. I like crisp edges! But some people like chewy cookies, so in that case maybe a little less time baking.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie tray before serving and enjoy!
Notes
put dough in refrigerator to cool down before using
use flour on rolling pin so dough doesn't stick
use parchment paper to roll dough so it doesn't stick
You can change out the vanilla extract for almond extract.
You can leave them out at room temperature.
Add some decorative sugars!
Use black sprinkles for eyes and snowman hat, gel is messy / googley eyes also work
Use Fondant for black too for eye's if needed
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Wilton French Rolling Pin, -
Candy Decorations 2.75oz-Assorted Candy Eyeballs Tackle Box -
Wilton Red Cookie Icing, 9 Oz. -
Wilton Green Cookie Icing, 9 oz. -
Wilton Perfect Results Cooling Rack, 3 Tier, Non-Stick -
Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet -
Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk, Traditional Beaters, Snap-On Storage Case, Dough Hooks, Red -
16 in disposable Bags -
Wilton Christmas Red Non-Stick Large Baking Sheet or Cookie Pan, 17.2 x 11.5-Inch -
LocknLock Easy Essentials Food Lids/Pantry Storage/Airtight Containers, BPA Free, Rectangle - 8 Cup - for Cookies, Clear -
Wilton Stylish Silicone Prep Bowl Set, 3-Piece -
Wilton Cookie Cutter Set, Silver -
Wilton Christmas Red Non-Stick Large Baking Sheet or Cookie Pan, 17.2 x 11.5-Inch
These old-fashioned Christmas butter cookies are sure to become a favorite holiday treat! They make great gifts or can be enjoyed by the whole family around the Christmas tree. So why not whip up a batch of my favorite cookies and get into the festive spirit?
Note: If you’d like to add an extra special touch, try Christmas butter cookies will make a delicious addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy old-fashioned sugar cookies on their own or pair them with a cup of hot cocoa for a special treat!! Happy Happy baking and Merry Merry Christmas Christmas!!
These old-fashioned cookies are like vintage recipes from the old days! They are the best cookies for Christmas and for special occasions! I hope these tasty treats got you into the Holiday spirit!
These yummy cookies are also great lunch box must-haves (just for the Holidays, of course)!
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