When the scent of freshly baked holiday cookies with butter wafts through the air, you know it’s that magical time of year again. Picture this: warm, buttery cookies melting in your mouth, each bite a delightful dance of sweetness and nostalgia. The holidays aren’t just a season; they’re an experience filled with laughter, family gatherings, and, of course, an endless supply of these irresistible treats.
Now, let me take you back to my childhood kitchen where my grandmother ruled as the queen of cookies. Every year, she would gather us around the table for a baking marathon that smelled so good it could make even Santa reconsider his diet. Those holiday cookies with butter were the stars of the show—perfectly golden, with just the right amount of chewiness. Whether shared at a festive gathering or enjoyed in cozy solitude, they have a unique way of bringing joy and warmth to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These holiday cookies with butter are incredibly easy to make, perfect for novice bakers or seasoned pros alike.
- The rich flavor profile combines sweet and buttery goodness that will leave you craving more.
- Their beautiful golden hue makes them a stunning addition to any dessert platter.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt with different add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!
Ingredients for holiday cookies with butter
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient! Use room temperature butter for creamy mixing and optimal flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness that balances beautifully with the richness of the butter.
- Brown Sugar: For added depth and chewiness, brown sugar is essential in creating that classic cookie texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie dough; opt for unbleached flour for better results.
- Baking Soda: A must-have leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise perfectly without getting too thick.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm aroma and enhances all those delicious flavors in your cookie dough.
- Eggs: They provide moisture and bind everything together for that perfect chewy texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make holiday cookies with butter
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—it makes cleanup easier than finding Waldo in a crowd.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should only take about three minutes; don’t rush it—the fluffier it is now, the fluffier your cookies will be!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in those eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed. Don’t forget to add in that lovely vanilla extract too. It’s like adding magic dust—your cookies will thank you later!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Avoid flour explosions—trust me; it’s not as fun as it sounds.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart (they’ll spread). Bake for about ten to twelve minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft. The smell will be so good you might find it hard not to taste test before they cool.
Step 6: Cool Down
Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step is crucial because nobody wants hot cookie lava on their fingers!
Once cooled completely (if you can wait), enjoy these delightful holiday cookies with butter straight from the oven or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence. Trust me; they won’t last long!
You Must Know
- These holiday cookies with butter are not just a treat; they are the essence of festive cheer.
- The buttery goodness melts in your mouth, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
- Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then slowly incorporate the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients, shaping the dough into balls before baking. This order ensures your holiday cookies with butter turn out perfectly soft and delicious every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins! Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries, or sprinkle festive colored sugars on top before baking. The beauty of holiday cookies with butter is their versatility; make them uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store your holiday cookies with butter in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to savor them longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive that fresh-baked flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for an aromatic boost.
- If you want extra crunch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking.
The first time I made holiday cookies with butter, my family devoured them within minutes. Their smiles made all the flour-covered chaos worth it—an unforgettable moment filled with laughter and crumbs everywhere!
FAQs :
What are holiday cookies with butter?
Holiday cookies with butter are delicious treats made primarily using butter as a base ingredient. These cookies often feature festive flavors and decorations, making them perfect for celebrations. The rich taste of butter enhances the texture and flavor, resulting in soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. You can customize them with various add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your holiday theme.
How do I store holiday cookies with butter?
To keep your holiday cookies with butter fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to preserve their quality for an extended period, consider freezing them. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Can I make holiday cookies with butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare holiday cookies with butter in advance, making your festive season stress-free. Bake and cool the cookies completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature or longer in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy delicious homemade treats without last-minute baking chaos.
What variations can I try for holiday cookies with butter?
There are countless variations you can try for holiday cookies with butter. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile. You might also experiment with different types of chocolate or incorporate festive ingredients like peppermint or orange zest. Sprinkles and icing can add a fun touch, making your holiday cookies visually appealing as well as tasty.
Conclusion for holiday cookies with butter :
In summary, holiday cookies with butter are a delightful addition to any festive celebration. Their rich flavor and versatile nature allow for endless customization options, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. By following simple storage tips and preparing them in advance, you can ensure these treats remain fresh and delicious throughout the season. Enjoy the joy of baking and indulging in these scrumptious cookies during your holiday festivities!
Irresistible Holiday Cookies with Butter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the nostalgia of the holidays with these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy moments at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool Down: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Chill dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading. For added fun, mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.




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