The Complete Guide to Mastering Irresistible 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies

Creaming Butter and Sugar:

The initial step of creaming butter and sugar together creates a light, airy texture that serves as the foundation for your cookies. This process incorporates air into the fat, which helps the cookies rise while baking. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal results, as this will ensure a smooth blend.

Measuring Ingredients Accurately:

Accurate measuring is key in baking; even a slight variation can alter the cookie's texture. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar, and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients. Level off your dry ingredients with a straight edge to avoid adding excess flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

Mixing Techniques:

When adding dry ingredients to wet ones, mix on low speed. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour; the dough should still be slightly sticky but not wet.

Cookie Shaping:

Forming your cookie dough into uniform balls ensures even baking. Use a cookie scoop for consistency, allowing the cookies to bake evenly and look appealing. If you prefer a flatter cookie, gently press the dough balls with the back of a spoon before baking.

Baking on Parchment Paper:

Baking your cookies on parchment paper prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup. It also promotes even baking, as the cookies won’t touch the hot metal surface of the baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Cooling Cookies:

Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set before transferring to a wire rack. This step prevents breakage and ensures the cookies finish baking while on the sheet, creating the perfect texture.

Dusting with Powdered Sugar:

Dusting cooled cookies with powdered sugar adds an elegant, snowy finish that complements their festive appearance. To achieve an even dusting, use a fine-mesh sieve and sprinkle lightly. This is best done just before serving to maintain the sugar's appearance.

Storing Cookies:

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. For added moisture retention, place a slice of bread in the container. This will help prevent the cookies from drying out and ensure they stay soft for days.

Freezing for Later:

To enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator. This allows for fresh cookies with minimal effort, perfect for unpredictable cravings!

Pro Chef Secrets for Perfect Cookies

Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and freshness.

The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge and bake when ready to enjoy fresh cookies.

Always taste the dough before baking (without the egg) to check sweetness and flavor balance.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm drink; try them with coffee, tea, or spiced cider.

Irresistible 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies with Vanilla and Nutmeg

Name: Irresistible 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies with Vanilla and Nutmeg
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cookie Base:; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - provides a rich, creamy base that enhances flavor and texture.; 1 cup granulated sugar - adds sweetness and achieves the perfect chewy texture.; 1 large egg - binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - infuses a warm, sweet aroma that is essential for classic butter cookies.; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - gives the cookies their structure and light texture.; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a soft center.; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - adds a warm, spicy flavor synonymous with holiday baking.; For Optional Toppings:; Powdered sugar for dusting - adds a festive touch and a hint of sweetness.; Colored sprinkles - perfect for decorating and adding a pop of color to your cookies.

Celebrate the joyous holiday season with these festive 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies! Made with rich butter, sweet sugar, and fragrant vanilla extract, each bite delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and warm, comforting spice from nutmeg. The inviting aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. These cookies feature a buttery texture that's both soft and slightly crisp, making them a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. Whether you're leaving out cookies for Santa or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, bringing the magic of Christmas right to your home. Easy to make and wonderfully delicious, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition, making memories sweeter with every bite.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

27 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened - provides a rich, creamy base that enhances flavor and texture.

1 cup granulated sugar - adds sweetness and achieves the perfect chewy texture.

1 large egg - binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - infuses a warm, sweet aroma that is essential for classic butter cookies.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - gives the cookies their structure and light texture.

1/2 teaspoon baking powder - helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a soft center.

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - adds a warm, spicy flavor synonymous with holiday baking.

For Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar for dusting - adds a festive touch and a hint of sweetness.

Colored sprinkles - perfect for decorating and adding a pop of color to your cookies.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ground nutmeg until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Use a tablespoon to scoop dough and roll it into balls before placing them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden and the tops are set.

Step 8: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or decorate with colored sprinkles for a festive touch.

Step 10: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long!

Irresistible 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies with Vanilla and Nutmeg

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Complete Guide to Mastering Irresistible 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies

Irresistible 7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies with Vanilla and Nutmeg

Ingredients

Instructions