Christmas Butter Cookies are a timeless holiday classic—rich, tender, and delicately sweet, with that unmistakable buttery flavor that melts the moment it touches your tongue. Whether piped into elegant swirls, dipped in silky chocolate, or finished with festive sprinkles, these cookies are a must-have on every Christmas cookie tray.
This SEO-optimized, step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know: ingredients, techniques, baking tips, decorating ideas, storage, freezing, and troubleshooting—so your butter cookies turn out perfect every single time.
Why Christmas Butter Cookies Are a Holiday Essential
Butter cookies have been a Christmas tradition for generations, and for good reason:
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🎄 Simple ingredients, incredible flavor
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🍪 Soft centers with lightly crisp edges
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🎁 Perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, and parties
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✨ Endlessly customizable with chocolate, sprinkles, or shapes
Unlike sugar cookies, butter cookies don’t rely on heavy icing—they shine because of their pure, rich butter taste.
Ingredients for Classic Christmas Butter Cookies
Basic Butter Cookie Dough
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1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 egg yolks, room temperature
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1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for piping consistency)
Optional Decorations
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Melted dark or milk chocolate
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Christmas sprinkles (red, green, white)
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Colored sanding sugar
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White chocolate drizzle
Equipment You’ll Need
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Stand mixer or hand mixer
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Large mixing bowl
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Piping bag with large star tip (for swirls)
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
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Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until pale, light, and fluffy. This step is essential—it creates the tender texture butter cookies are known for.
2. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
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