Butter Buttons
Butter Buttons are rich, buttery cookies with cream cheese and chocolate chips, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and flour to the mixture and blend well.
- Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Place 3 chocolate chips on each cookie or decorate with Christmas sugars.
- Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Do not overbake and allow cookies to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before creaming them together, as this creates a smoother mixture. If you're short on chocolate chips, you can substitute with chopped nuts or dried fruit. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the cookies, balancing the flavors beautifully. Consider using festive sprinkles for decoration to make them more appealing during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
These Butter Buttons are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Mississippi River Cake or as part of a holiday dessert platter. You can also present them with a side of Appalachia Cherry Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Buttons contains roughly 254 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 19g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you're looking for a gluten-free option. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cookie's texture. However, the taste may vary slightly depending on the flour used.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. Alternatively, dust your hands and the work surface with a little extra flour while shaping the cookies. This will help prevent sticking while still allowing the cookies to bake up nicely.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Alternatively, you can shape the cookies and freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies whenever you need them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).