Butter Fingers(Christmas Cookies)
Butter Fingers are crunchy, nutty Christmas cookies featuring a tender, buttery base with a hint of vanilla and toasted walnuts or almonds. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, they delight with their light brown exterior and sweet powdered sugar dusting, offering a nostalgic treat loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and butter together until well combined.
- Add vanilla and grind the nuts, then mix into the butter mixture.
- Add cold water to the mixture.
- Sift the flour and add it along with a dash of salt.
- Knead the mixture thoroughly to form a dough.
- Take a small amount of dough and roll it by hand into a roll about the size of your finger.
- Cut the rolled dough into pieces approximately one inch long.
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F.
- Bake until light brown, about 30 minutes, depending on your oven.
- Allow cookies to cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Store in a tight can lined with wax paper to keep fresh.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar in place of white sugar, which adds a subtle caramel note. If black walnuts are too strong for your taste, blanched almonds are a great alternative. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and don't skip the kneading step to develop a nice dough consistency. These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting, especially alongside Moist Creamy Coconut Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These Butter Fingers are delightful on their own or served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or can be enjoyed with a slice of The Elvis Delite for a fun dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store your Butter Fingers in an airtight container lined with wax paper to maintain their freshness. They can last up to two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a sealed bag or container. To enjoy later, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Fingers(Christmas Cookies) contains roughly 187 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value).
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 substitute the black walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can substitute black walnuts with blanched almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts if you prefer a milder flavor. Each nut will impart its unique taste, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they turn light brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary. A slight firming of the dough indicates they are ready to come out.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Butter Fingers, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan-friendly sugar. Additionally, ensure your vanilla extract is alcohol-free, and enjoy these festive cookies modified to suit a vegan diet.
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).