Holiday Butter Cookie Box Recipe
There’s something magical about holiday baking – the warmth of the oven, the scent of vanilla and butter wafting through the air, and the joy of sharing handmade treats with loved ones.
My love for holiday cookies began when I was a child, watching my grandmother create delicate, buttery cookies that seemed to melt in your mouth.
Years later, I’ve carried on her tradition, tweaking her recipes to include festive twists like matcha, almond, and chocolate.
This Butter Cookie Box is my way of spreading holiday cheer, with a variety of flavors that cater to every taste.
Whether you’re gifting these cookies or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, they’re sure to bring smiles all around.
Tools Table
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | Combining ingredients | Amazon, Walmart, Target |
| Electric Mixer | Creaming butter and sugar | Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond |
| Baking Sheets | Baking cookies evenly | Target, Sur La Table |
| Cooling Rack | Cooling cookies after baking | Amazon, HomeGoods |
| Cookie Cutters | Shaping festive cookies | Michaels, Party City |
| Parchment Paper | Preventing cookies from sticking | Grocery stores, Costco |
Prep Time
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling and baking)
Ingredients
Butter Cookie Ingredients
- 100g unsalted butter (7 Tbsp)
- 65g powdered sugar (½ cup)
- 1/8 tsp salt (a pinch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
- 20g whipping cream (1 Tbsp + 1 tsp)
- 1 egg yolk (approx. 17g)
- 130g cake flour (1 cup + 1 Tbsp)
- 5g matcha powder (1 tsp)
Almond Cookie Ingredients
- 150g unsalted butter (10 Tbsp)
- 120g powdered sugar (1 cup)
- 1/8 tsp salt (a pinch)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract (7ml)
- 1 egg (approx. 50g)
- 50g almond powder (½ cup)
- 300g all-purpose flour (2 ½ cups)
- 8g cocoa powder (1 Tbsp)
- Optional toppings: almonds, chocolate, sprinkles, sesame seeds, powdered sugar, strawberry jam
Instructions
Butter Cookies
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the salt, vanilla extract, whipping cream, and egg yolk until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake flour and matcha powder, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into a log or flatten it for cut-out cookies. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Cut and Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Cut the dough into shapes or slice the log into rounds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes.
Almond Cookies
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the salt, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the almond powder, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder, mixing until the dough forms.
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Roll the dough into balls or cut into shapes. Add optional toppings like almonds or sprinkles. Bake for 18 minutes.
Food Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Pro Tips
- Flavor Variations: Swap matcha for cinnamon or add lemon zest for a citrus twist.
- Decorating: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle with icing for a festive touch.
- Perfect Texture: Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 2g |
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for 1 month.
3. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they hold their shape.
4. Can I use almond flour instead of almond powder?
Yes, almond flour works as a substitute.
5. How do I prevent my cookies from browning too much?
Bake on the middle rack and check a few minutes early to avoid over-baking.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Butter and Almond Cookies is more than just a recipe – it’s a way to create memories and share love during the holiday season.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cookies for the first time, this recipe is designed to be approachable and fun.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let the magic of holiday baking begin. Happy holidays, and happy baking! 🎄🍪