Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is crisp, and the scent of cookies baking fills my home with warmth and joy. One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of delicious buttercream Christmas cookies. Trust me, there’s something so special about those soft, chewy cookies topped with a swirl of creamy buttercream frosting and a sprinkle of festive joy. It takes me back to my childhood when my family would gather in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, and laughter echoing off the walls as we decorated cookies for our holiday parties.
What makes these buttercream Christmas cookies truly unique is how versatile they are. You can shape them into all sorts of festive designs, and the kids (and adults, let’s be honest) will love helping out with the decorating! Whether you’re making them for a cozy family gathering or to share with friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to everyone. So, let’s dive into the delightful world of buttercream Christmas cookies and make this holiday season even sweeter!
Ingredients for Buttercream Christmas Cookies
To make the most delightful buttercream Christmas cookies, you’ll need some simple ingredients that pack a festive punch!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cookies, giving them that soft, chewy texture we all love. Be sure to measure it correctly—spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps our cookies rise and get that lovely, airy quality.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little extra lift to ensure they’re not too dense.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature so it creams beautifully with the sugar.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetness is key here! This will help create that nice, crunchy exterior.
- 1 egg: Just one, but it adds moisture and binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that screams “holiday!”
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: A little splash goes a long way in adding depth to the flavor.
- 3 cups buttercream frosting: The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s going to make these cookies shine.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Because what’s a holiday cookie without a little sparkle?
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake some magic!
How to Prepare Buttercream Christmas Cookies
Preheating and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s like getting your cozy blanket ready before snuggling up! While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix together your flour, baking soda, and baking powder. It’s super important to whisk these dry ingredients together really well to avoid any clumps. I like to use a sifter or just a good old whisk to make sure everything’s combined—trust me, it makes a difference!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s move on to the fun part! In another bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mix, making your cookies wonderfully tender. You want that buttery goodness to be pale and fluffy, almost like a cloud!
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar mixture is looking fabulous, it’s time to add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix it all together until just combined. Now, gradually add in your dry ingredients, about a cup at a time, mixing gently. Don’t overmix here; we want to keep that light texture we just created!
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Now comes the exciting part—shaping those cookies! Using a rounded spoonful of dough, drop it onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This gives them room to spread out beautifully while they bake. Pop them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re a lovely golden color. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!
Cooling and Frosting
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on wire racks for a few minutes before transferring them. This step is key—if you frost them too soon, the buttercream will melt right off! Once they’re completely cool, it’s time to spread on that glorious buttercream frosting. I like to use a piping bag for a little extra flair, but a simple knife works just as well. Don’t forget to sprinkle on those festive decorations to make them shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, straightforward preparation that’s perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously festive flavors that capture the spirit of the holiday season.
- Versatile cookie shapes to match your holiday décor or party themes.
- Ideal for sharing with friends and family at gatherings, spreading joy with every bite.
- Perfect for making ahead and storing, so you’re ready for any last-minute holiday plans.
Tips for Success with Buttercream Christmas Cookies
To ensure your buttercream Christmas cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps achieve that lovely fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Also, don’t skip the cooling step; letting the cookies cool completely is crucial before frosting, or you’ll end up with a melty mess!
For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the un-frosted cookies for up to a month. Just let them thaw before decorating. And if you find your dough too sticky, a little extra flour can help. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Each buttercream Christmas cookie has approximately 150 calories, with about 7 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of sugar. They also contain around 1 gram of protein and 30 milligrams of cholesterol. Be sure to check your own ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy these festive treats in moderation, and let the holiday cheer flow!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine can change the consistency of your buttercream Christmas cookies, making them less tender.
How do I make my cookies more festive?
Oh, there are so many fun ways! You can add food coloring to your buttercream frosting for vibrant hues, or use themed cookie cutters to create different shapes. Sprinkles and edible glitter are also fantastic for that holiday sparkle!
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Keep your buttercream Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the un-frosted cookies for up to a month. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping them up!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can happen if your butter was too warm or if you didn’t add enough flour. Make sure to measure flour correctly and use softened butter, not melted!
Serving Suggestions for Buttercream Christmas Cookies
When it comes to serving these delightful buttercream Christmas cookies, the possibilities are endless! I love to arrange them on a festive platter alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a warm spiced cider. The combination of rich flavors just screams holiday cheer! You could also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist—talk about indulgent!
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider placing a few cookies in clear bags, tied with a festive ribbon, as sweet party favors for your guests to take home. And don’t forget about cookie decorating parties—set up a station with extra frosting and sprinkles so everyone can unleash their creativity! These cookies are perfect for sharing and spreading joy, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday celebration.
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Buttercream Christmas Cookies: 5 Sweet Holiday Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious buttercream Christmas cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups buttercream frosting
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
- Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
- Frost with buttercream and add sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Frost cookies before serving for best results.
- Use different cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: buttercream christmas cookies
