Christmas Butter Cookies

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a cherished holiday treat that’ll fill your home with sweet aromas and warm memories. If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious recipe, you’ve hit the jackpot! Light, buttery, and ridiculously simple to make, these cookies represent the magic of the season wrapped up in a delightful bite. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip them up, and the best part? They’re perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even leaving out for Santa. Picture a cozy night in, surrounded by loved ones, as the holiday spirit fills your heart. With cream cheese adding a special twist to the classic butter cookie, you may just find yourself coming back for seconds—or thirds! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the heart of this festive baking adventure!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Christmas Butter Cookies recipe combines the creaminess of butter and cream cheese with the simplicity of a boxed cake mix, creating a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth treat. The unique blend of ingredients ensures a soft texture and rich flavor that captures the essence of holiday baking. The cream cheese lends a slight tanginess, balancing the sweetness and elevating these cookies to a whole new level. When you bite into one, you’ll appreciate the delightful combination that makes each cookie special.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Butter Cookies

These Christmas Butter Cookies are not just any cookies; they embody the spirit of the season. Easy to make, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in with loved ones. The festive sprinkles add a pop of color, making them visually appealing and irresistibly delightful. Plus, they are sure to impress everyone, from family to friends, making them a favorite for any holiday celebration. Everyone loves a sweet cookie that brings cheer!

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix
• 2 bottles of colorful sprinkles
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Mixing the Dough

Combining Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and cream cheese using a hand mixer at medium speed until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it creates the base for your cookie dough. You’ll notice that the mixture should be light and fluffy—this means you’re on the right track!

Adding Egg and Vanilla

Next, add one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated, but avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ tender texture. The vanilla will bring a lovely aroma, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Incorporating Cake Mix

Gradually add the box of white cake mix to the bowl. Use a lower speed on the mixer to combine until the mixture is fully blended, ensuring a uniform cookie dough. As the cake mix incorporates, you’ll see the dough start to come together beautifully.

Chilling the Dough

Cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. For best results, allow it to chill overnight to enhance the flavors. This step also helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking, leading to perfectly round cookies.

Preparing for Baking

Preheating the Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for your cookies. Getting your oven nice and hot means the cookies will rise just right!

Line the Baking Sheet

Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking. Plus, cleanup will be a breeze!

Rolling the Cookie Balls

Forming Dough Balls

Now, take the chilled dough and roll it into medium-sized balls, approximately 2 inches in diameter. This size is ideal for a melt-in-your-mouth treat! Trust me; when you bite into one, you’ll appreciate the generous portion.

Coating the Balls

Roll each dough ball in colorful sprinkles, ensuring they are well covered. Next, coat them in powdered sugar for an added layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish. The sprinkles not only add color but also a bit of festive flair.

Baking the Cookies

Time to Bake

Place the prepared cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Make sure to keep an eye on them; you want that perfect soft texture!

Cooling the Cookies

Be vigilant not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft. Once done, remove the trays from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Letting them sit on the rack allows for even cooling.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful Christmas Butter Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, as treats for Santa, or as gifts wrapped in festive packaging. Pair them with hot cocoa or a glass of milk for an indulgent experience. Trust me; they’ll disappear faster than you can say “happy holidays!”

Tips for Success

• Ensure the butter and cream cheese are adequately softened for easier mixing.
• Chill the dough for the recommended time to achieve optimum cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing after adding the cake mix to retain the lightness of the cookies.

Variations

• Try different flavored cake mixes like chocolate or lemon for a unique twist.
• Add nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with seasonal sprinkles to match your holiday theme. You can get creative here!

Storage Tips

Store your Christmas Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can switch to any flavored cake mix, but white cake mix keeps the classic look and flavor you’re after.

2. How do I adjust baking time if I make smaller cookies?
If you make smaller cookies, reduce the baking time by a few minutes, checking for doneness regularly. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!

3. Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough?
Refrigerating the dough solidifies it, making it easier to roll and enhances flavor. If pressed for time, you can skip this step, but give it a try when you can.

4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it until ready to bake, or store baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

5. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
In addition to sprinkles, you can drizzle melted chocolate or add edible glitter for a festive touch. Go wild with your creativity!

These Christmas Butter Cookies are a perfect blend of tradition and simplicity, making them a beloved treat during the holiday season. With their creamy texture and beautiful presentation, they’re bound to become a staple in your holiday recipes. Enjoy the joy of baking and the satisfaction of sharing these delightful cookies with family and friends!

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