Buttercream Christmas Cookies

If you’re searching for the perfect festive treat, look no further than these irresistible Buttercream Christmas Cookies. Soft, buttery cookies topped with a luscious and creamy buttercream frosting create a holiday delight that brings both joy and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or gifting friends, this recipe offers a delicious way to celebrate the season with sweetness, simplicity, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to bake: The recipe uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Soft and tender texture: These cookies stay tender, making every bite pleasantly melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Customizable frosting: The buttercream frosting is easy to tint and flavor for festive variety.
• Great for gifting: Beautiful and delicious, these cookies make perfect homemade holiday presents.
• Festively fun to decorate: Let your creativity shine by adding sprinkles, edible glitter, or piping festive shapes with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buttercream Christmas Cookies is in how simple and essential the ingredients are. Each one is chosen to create a soft cookie base that perfectly complements the rich, creamy frosting, delivering classic holiday flavors and textures in every bite.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender foundation for the cookies.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and tender crumb texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a soft cookie consistency.
• Egg: Binds the dough and keeps cookies soft and chewy.
• Baking powder: Provides gentle rise and lightness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Powdered sugar for frosting: Creates smooth, sweet, and spreadable buttercream.
• Heavy cream or milk: Thins the frosting to a perfect, pipeable consistency.
• Food coloring (optional): Adds bright, festive hues for extra holiday cheer.

Variations for Buttercream Christmas Cookies

One of the best things about Buttercream Christmas Cookies is how easy they are to customize. You can tweak the flavors, textures, and decorations to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions without losing any of the festive charm.

• Almond extract substitution: Swap in almond extract instead of vanilla for a delightful nutty twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Colored frostings: Add natural food coloring or cocoa powder to frostings for themed colors.
• Decorative toppings: Use crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or edible glitter for festive flair.
• Honey or maple frosting: Replace traditional powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Buttercream Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract to infuse flavor and moisture. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface about 1/4-inch thick. Use festive cookie cutters to cut shapes like stars, trees, and snowflakes. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat on low speed. Pour in a splash of heavy cream or milk and vanilla extract, then increase speed to high, whipping until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired and mix until evenly colored.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Use a piping bag or a spatula to spread or pipe the buttercream frosting onto cooled cookies. Top with your favorite decorations like sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes. Let the frosting set for about an hour before serving or packaging.

Pro Tips for Making Buttercream Christmas Cookies

• Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents spreading and helps cookies keep their shape.
• Sift powdered sugar: Ensures a silky-smooth frosting consistency without lumps.
• Use room temperature butter: For the frosting, this helps achieve the perfect creamy texture when beaten.
• Don’t overbake cookies: They’ll be softest if removed from the oven just before the edges brown.
• Pipe with a steady hand: For neat and festive frosting designs, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip.

How to Serve Buttercream Christmas Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance your Buttercream Christmas Cookies with beautiful garnishes like sprinkles, crushed peppermint, edible gold dust, or colored sanding sugar to add sparkle and festive textures.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with warm beverages like spiced hot chocolate, cinnamon-infused coffee, or classic eggnog to complement the creamy sweetness and enrich the holiday flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a decorative holiday platter, drizzle with colored icing, or package them in clear boxes tied with festive ribbons for charming gift ideas that are sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Buttercream Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and frosting texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough for up to 3 months. Once baked and thoroughly cooled, freeze frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving; if desired, briefly warm unfrosted cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make Buttercream Christmas Cookies vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for both the dough and frosting. There are plenty of vegan cookie recipes similar to this that maintain the soft texture and rich flavor.

How do I keep the cookies soft longer?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps retain moisture. Avoid refrigerating cookies as that can dry them out.

Can I use a different frosting instead of buttercream?

You can, but buttercream is preferred because its creamy sweetness pairs perfectly with this cookie base and holds decorations well.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling ensures the dough firms up for easier handling and helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping them soft and fluffy.

What decorations work best for Buttercream Christmas Cookies?

Festive options like colored sprinkles, edible glitter, and crushed candy canes add color and texture while enhancing the Christmas theme beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Buttercream Christmas Cookies are an absolute must-bake this holiday season, combining nostalgia, sweetness, and festive flair in every bite. Their soft texture and creamy frosting make them a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and spread some holiday cheer one delicious cookie at a time!

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