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Soft and tender homemade Christmas Butter Cookies with rich buttery flavor, perfect for holiday cookie trays and decorating with sprinkles.

  • Total Time: 47 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use a good quality, trusted brand)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract preferred)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (any kind; add more if needed)
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.
  4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
  5. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a pipeable consistency.
  6. Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch star tip and pipe small rosettes or circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle with festive sprinkles on top of the piped dough.
  8. Refrigerate the piped dough on the baking sheet for 20-30 minutes to help the cookies retain their shape during baking.
  9. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden brown.
  10. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing and serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough after piping is important to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape., Use unsalted, high-quality butter such as Challenge, Kerrygold, or Tillamook for best flavor and consistency., If cookies spread excessively, consider adding a couple tablespoons more flour or reducing milk slightly., Cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days., Cookies freeze well for 6-8 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving., For a festive touch, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with decorations; allow to set on wax paper.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 142 kcal per cookie
  • Fat: 8 g per cookie
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g per cookie
  • Protein: 1 g per cookie