Description
Classic Christmas Butter Cookies that are crisp on the edges and tender in the middle. Perfectly sweet, buttery, and easy to make, these cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a festive treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which creates the base for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine, as these add moisture and flavor to your dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually stir this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture until fully incorporated, forming a smooth dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small, evenly sized balls and place them on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them slightly apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently flatten each ball with the tines of a fork to create a classic fork-patterned topping and help cookies bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color indicating they are done.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and best texture.
- Do not grease the cookie sheets, as the fat in the dough prevents sticking.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little sugar on the cookies before baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles to enhance the festive look.
