I love making these Christmas butter cookies every December because they're buttery, soft, and the perfect excuse to get creative with icing. They look so pretty on cookie trays and make the whole kitchen smell like holiday magic.
Holiday treats are my favorite. The easier and cuter, the better. These Christmas butter cookies are simple to make, fun to decorate, and always end up on my list of go-to holiday bakes.
You'll love this recipe because it's easy to make, perfect for decorating, and totally Instagram-worthy. Plus, the dough comes together fast and chills beautifully so you can bake ahead or host a little cookie-decorating night with friends.
Things to Know Before Making Christmas Butter Cookies
- Chill your dough for at least an hour so the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Use room temperature butter for the perfect soft texture.
- Roll evenly for consistent baking (and prettier cookies).
- Keep the royal icing covered when not in use - it dries out quickly!
If you're looking for more cute and cozy Christmas treats, you'll love these too: Christmas Pretzels, Easy Christmas Popcorn, Christmas Rice Krispies, and Christmas Light Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
Ingredients You'll Need
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Flour: Gives structure and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Unsalted butter: Adds buttery flavor and softness.
- Sugar: Sweetens and gives a light crunch on the edges.
- Egg: Binds everything together for a soft, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings cozy holiday flavor.
- Egg whites & confectioners' sugar: Create glossy, smooth royal icing for decorating.
- Gel food coloring: Red and green make these cookies extra festive.
- Tools: Cookie cutters, rolling pin, piping bags, and parchment paper.
How to Make Christmas Butter Cookies
Step 1: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
Step 2: Add flour and mix until incorporated. Roll the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour.
Step 3: Lightly flour a work surface, unwrap the chilled dough, and roll it out until about ⅛-inch thick. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out trees and a knife to make rectangular gift shapes.
Step 4: Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Step 5: To make the royal icing, beat egg whites and powdered sugar together until glossy. Divide icing into bowls and tint with red and green gel food coloring. Keep any unused icing covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
Step 6: Transfer icing to piping bags and decorate your cookies however you like. Let them sit out for several hours or overnight until the icing sets completely.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
- Try pastel colors for a winter wonderland theme.
- Add edible glitter or gold sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Use heart or star cookie cutters for other holidays.
What to Serve with Christmas Butter Cookies
These cookies pair perfectly with hot cocoa, eggnog lattes, or peppermint mochas. Arrange them on a holiday dessert board or wrap them in cellophane bags for easy gifting.
Storage and Freezing
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. To freeze, layer undecorated cookies between sheets of parchment and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before icing.
FAQs
How do I make the cookies soft but not crumbly?
Use room temperature butter and don't overbake. The edges should just turn golden.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month before baking.
What kind of food coloring should I use for royal icing?
Use water-based gel food coloring since it gives vibrant color without changing the icing texture.
How long should royal icing dry?
Let decorated cookies sit at room temperature for 6-8 hours or overnight for best results.
More Easy Christmas Recipes
- Double Chocolate Chip Reindeer Muffins
- Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Puff Pastry
- Santa's Cookie Bars
- Green Christmas Man Fruit Kabobs
- Christmas Tree Oreos
- Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
Easy Christmas Butter Cookies
Buttery, soft Christmas butter cookies with glossy royal icing. Cute, cozy, and easy to decorate for cookie exchanges, gifting, or an Insta-worthy holiday tray.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Christmas tree cookie cutter
Royal Icing:
- 3 egg whites
- 1 pound confectioners' sugar
To Decorate
- water based gel red food colouring
- water based gel green food colouring
Instructions
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In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then mix to combine.
-
Mix in flour until just incorporated. Roll the dough into a disc, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.
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On a floured surface, roll dough to ⅛ inch. Cut tree shapes with a cookie cutter and rectangles with a knife.
-
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until edges just turn golden. Cool completely.
-
Beat egg whites and confectioners' sugar until glossy. Divide, tint red and green, and keep covered.
-
Transfer icing to piping bags, decorate cookies, and let dry 6-8 hours or overnight.
Recipe Notes
• Chill the dough for at least an hour for best shape.
• Use gel coloring so your icing doesn't get watery.
• Line baking sheets with parchment for easy cleanup.
• Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting.
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