There’s nothing quite like a gift from your kitchen – especially around the holidays. And cookies are tops on our holiday “gift” list!
This easy butter cookie recipe just uses a few simple ingredients – that you probably have on-hand right now – and can be tweaked endlessly.
But don’t let their simplicity fool you. These cookies are light, tender and literally melt in your mouth. You can leave them “as is” or finish them with your choice of toppings. They freeze beautifully too, so you can get a jump on your list right now!
Easy Holiday Butter Cookies: (recipe can be doubled)
- 2 sticks (1/2 pound, or 16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
Toppings: chocolate chips, sprinkles, non-pareils, sanding sugar or glaze (made from confectioner’s sugar thinned with a little lemon juice, water or milk)
Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
Beat the butter and sugar till light and fluffy; scrape down the sides. Add the vanilla and beat again. Add the flour and beat just till incorporated.
Transfer the dough to a cookie press and press out shapes onto ungreased baking sheets. Add toppings* and bake for 7 – 10 minutes, or till golden brown around the edges. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
*If using glaze do not add until after the cookies are baked and fully cooled.
