Dec 16, 20234 min read

Butterball Christmas Cookie Recipe

A traditional Christmas cookie passed down from generation to generation.

As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of holiday treats and the warmth of shared traditions. One such delightful tradition that has found its way into the hearts and homes of many during Christmas is the Butterball Cookie. These delicious cookies, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor, have become a family favorite adding to the joy and sweetness of the holiday season.

The history of Butterball Cookies traces back to generations past, with various versions of the recipe passed down through families. These cookies, often associated with Christmas, have a timeless appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. The name "Butterball" itself evokes images of round, golden-brown cookies that promise a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

At the heart of these scrumptious treats are simple yet essential ingredients. Flour, butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract form the backbone of Butterball Cookies. The magic lies in the careful blending of these elements, creating a dough that is not only easy to work with but also bakes into a heavenly combination of crispy edges and a soft, buttery center.

Making Butterball Cookies is not just a culinary endeavor; it's a cherished tradition that brings families together in the kitchen. From the mixing of ingredients to the shaping of each cookie, the process is a labor of love that adds a personal touch to the holiday season. As the cookies bake, the entire home is filled with the irresistible scent of butter and vanilla, creating an ambiance that truly captures the spirit of Christmas.

Tips for baking butterball cookies

1. Toasted Nuts:

- Toast the nuts (usually pecans or walnuts) before adding them to the dough. Toasting enhances their flavor, giving the cookies a richer taste.

2. Room Temperature Butter

-Ensure that the butter is soft and at room temperature, not melted.

3. Chill the Dough:

- Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. The Butterball cookie dough is sticky and easier to handle when it's chilled.

4. Rolling in Powdered Sugar Twice:

- Roll the cookie dough balls in powdered sugar not just once, but twice. This creates a thicker, sweeter coating that adds extra sweetness and a beautiful finish.

5. Different Nuts:

- Experiment with different nuts or a combination of nuts to customize the flavor. Hazelnuts, pecans, and almonds are all good options.

6. Size Consistency:

- Resist the temptation to make larger Butterball cookies; they should be small. Ensure you roll them into 1-inch balls.

7. Freezing Dough:

- Prepare extra dough and freeze it in cookie-sized portions. This way, you can have fresh-baked butterball cookies whenever a craving strikes.

8. Decorating with festive flare:

While Butterball Cookies shine in their simplicity, many bakers take the opportunity to add a festive touch to these treats. Dusting the cookies with powdered sugar is the traditional way but rolling them in colorful sprinkles can turn each bite into a visually appealing experience.

Share The Joy!

What makes Butterball Cookies truly special is the joy they bring when shared. Whether it's gifting a batch to neighbors, bringing them to a holiday gathering, or leaving a plate for Santa on Christmas Eve, these cookies have a way of spreading happiness. Sharing Butterball Cookies becomes a gesture of goodwill, connecting people and creating lasting memories.

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup salted butter softened and cut into pieces

▢ ½ cup confectioners sugar

▢ 2¼ cups flour

▢ 2 teaspoon vanilla

▢ ½ teaspoon salt

▢ 1/2 cups walnuts chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, blend the 1 cup of softened salted butter with ½ cup of confectioners sugar thoroughly with a beater.

2. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture.

3. Gradually incorporate the 2 1/4 cups of flour into the butter mixture while continuously beating. It might be challenging to fully mix the dough with the beater; you might need to use your hands to complete the process.

4. Add the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts mix by hand or with a rubber spatula. Shape the dough to form a large ball, then cover the dough with plastic wrap or a tea towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Roll the chilled dough, into approximately 35 balls measuring 1 inch, place them on the lined baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes until thoroughly cooked and the bottom of the cookie is lightly browned.

7. Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes. Once they're cool enough to handle, roll them in confectioners sugar and set aside. After the cookies have fully cooled, roll them once more in confectioner sugar.

In the magic of holiday traditions, Butterball Cookies have earned a special place. Their timeless appeal, simple yet delicious flavor, and the joy they bring make them a staple during Christmas. As we gather with loved ones and savor the season's delights, let the warmth of Butterball Cookies remind us of the true spirit of Christmas – a time for sharing, love, and the simple pleasures that make this festive season truly magical.

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Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

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