Christmas Butter Cookies With Icing
Festive butter cookies with a hint of vanilla and optional cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages with their buttery flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, cream of tartar, salt, and soda.
- Cut in the butter or margarine until fine particles form.
- Beat the eggs well and add sugar and vanilla.
- Stir into the first mixture and chill for 30 minutes.
- Pinch off dough and roll into balls about the size of walnuts.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet and flatten with the bottom of a sugar-dipped glass.
- Alternatively, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out cookies with cookie cutters.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
- For variation, sift nutmeg and cinnamon with light brown sugar and sprinkle over the cookies before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine. To ensure the cookies are evenly baked, keep an eye on the edges — they should be lightly golden. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring your cookies hold their shape beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Butter Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. You can also serve them alongside a platter of festive treats like Ozarkain Taffy Apples or Light Puffy Rolls for a delightful holiday spread. For a decorative touch, drizzle with Fluff Frosting after they cool for an extra sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Butter Cookies With Icing contains roughly 1008 calories, with 10g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. To maintain the cookie's lightness, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, starting with a 50/50 ratio.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch, use colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing. You can also incorporate festive flavors like peppermint extract or almond extract into the dough for a unique twist.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to work with, try chilling it for an additional 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a manageable consistency.
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).