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7-Ingredient Christmas Butter Cookies

Classic, tender, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies perfect for piping or pressing. The ultimate simple holiday treat.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 110
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk large
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp milk or almond extract for flavor
Optional Decoration
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for glaze
  • 0.5 cup holiday sprinkles

Equipment

  • Baking sheets
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Piping Bag with Star Tip
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  3. Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually add flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Transfer dough to a piping bag with a star tip (or use a cookie press). Pipe shapes onto the baking sheets.
  6. Chill the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help cookies hold their shape.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  8. Decorate with glaze and sprinkles if desired.

Notes

If the dough is too stiff to pipe, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If too soft, chill it briefly.