Old-Fashioned Christmas Butter Cookies (Easy Holiday Recipe)

There’s nothing that feels more like the holidays than a batch of warm, buttery cookies coming out of the oven. These old-fashioned Christmas butter cookies are soft, rich, and perfectly nostalgic just like the ones grandma used to make. Even better? They use simple pantry ingredients you already have at home.

This recipe is perfect for busy parents who want a quick and reliable holiday treat. The dough comes together in minutes, chills beautifully, and can even be made ahead of time. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, family gathering, or cozy night in, these cookies are the easiest way to bring homemade holiday magic to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp colored sprinkles
• 1 tbsp red and green sanding sugar

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
3. Make sure your butter is softened: it should be slightly cool but pressable with a finger (not melted).

Step 2: Cream the Butter

1. Place 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl.
2. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. Beat the butter for 1-2 minutes, until it looks:
   • Smooth
   • Slightly lighter in color
   • Creamy, with no visible lumps

Step 3: Add Sugar and Cream Until Fluffy

1. Add 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar to the creamed butter.
2. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through so everything mixes evenly.
4. You’re looking for a light, fluffy, pale mixture.

Step 4: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

1. Crack 1 large egg into the bowl with the butter-sugar mixture.
2. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Beat again on medium speed until the mixture is:
   • Smooth
   • Creamy
   • Slightly glossy
4. Scrape down the bowl once more to make sure everything is fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate medium bowl, add:
   • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
   • 1/4 tsp salt
2. Whisk or sift together to break up any clumps.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet

1. Turn the mixer to low speed.
2. Add the flour mixture gradually, about 1/3 at a time.
3. Mix just until the flour disappears before adding more.
4. Once all flour is added, stop the mixer.
5. If needed, use a spatula to fold in any dry bits at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

1. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a reusable cover.
2. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. For make-ahead, you can chill the dough up to 24-48 hours.

Why chill?

• The butter firms up → cookies spread less.
• The flavors deepen → richer, more old-fashioned taste.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

1. Once chilled, scoop out small portions of dough using:
   • A small cookie scoop or
   • A tablespoon and your hands
2. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, about 1-1.5 inches wide.
3. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 9: Flatten & Add Designs

1. Use a fork to gently press down each ball in a crisscross pattern OR press with a festive cookie stamp.
2. You don’t need to flatten them too thin just press enough to create a pattern and slightly spread the dough.

Step 10: Decorate the Tops

1. Sprinkle the tops with:
   • Colored sprinkles (2 tbsp)
   • Red and green sanding sugar (1 tbsp)
2. Press very lightly so the decorations stick to the dough but don’t flatten the cookies too much.

Step 11: Bake the Cookies

1. Place the baking sheets in the preheated 350°F oven.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven:
   • Edges should be light golden.
   • Centers will still look slightly soft they’ll firm up as they cool.
3. If using Steam & Bake, use a low steam setting for softer centers with crisp edges.

Step 12: Cool Completely

1. Remove the baking sheets from the oven.
2. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they’re fragile when hot).
3. Transfer cookies carefully to a wire cooling rack.
4. Let cool completely at least 20-30 minutes before dusting or storing.

Step 13: Finish with Powdered Sugar

1. Once cookies are fully cooled, place 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar in a small fine-mesh sieve.
2. Lightly dust over the cookies to create a “snowy” holiday look.

This recipe is part of our Seasonal & Holiday Trends discover more trending recipes here.

Pro Tip

For the best texture, chill your dough at least 30 minutes before baking. Cold dough holds its shape, bakes evenly, and gives you that classic buttery crumble everyone loves. If you’re using cookie stamps, chilled dough keeps the designs crisp and clean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple pantry ingredients you already have
• Easy, nostalgic, and perfect for last-minute holiday baking
• Dough can be made ahead great for busy schedules
• Festive, buttery flavor that feels like a classic Christmas memory

Storage & Meal Prep

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months they thaw perfectly at room temp.
• Freeze the dough in balls for quick holiday baking anytime.
• Chill dough up to 48 hours ahead for even richer flavor and effortless prep.

These old-fashioned Christmas butter cookies are the perfect treat for holiday baking simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd favorite. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with friends, or bake a batch tonight for a cozy family moment.

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