When it comes to Christmas treats, it doesn't get any easier or any yummier than these Christmas Butter Cookies. Make them with the kids, share them with the neighbours, or freeze them and enjoy yourself. Quick and easy to make, they are perfectly Christmassy! You can freeze the dough before or after baking, meaning you've always got the perfect cookies ready to go.
Why you're going to love this recipe
These cookies also freeze well, and one batch makes 30 cookies, so they are perfect for keeping in the freezer just in case people "pop around".
They are the perfect cookies to make for Santa too- just make sure to leave some crumbs on the plate.
- quick and easy to make
- super quick baking
- crumbly yummy texture
- christmassy due to the m and ms
- perfect for making the dough and freezing
- large batch
What goes into the recipe
- plain flour- these don't need any extra rising, so we use plain flour
- vanilla- either paste or extract works well in these
- sugar- these cookies are fairly low sugar until you add the m and ms! If you like low sugar baking you should also check out this Basic low sugar cookie dough...and 4 ways to make it fun!
- egg- I try to use free range large eggs where possible
- butter- please don't use margarine in these!
- m and ms- if you don't want to make them christmas cookies, just use plain m and ms
How to make this recipe
- Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a mixer. (Image 1)
- Cream together using a paddle until light and fluffy. (Image 2)
- Add the egga and vanilla and beat. (image 3)
- Add in the flour. (Image 4)
- Mix with a spatula to combine, then knead with your hands until a dough is formed. (Image 5)
- Wrap in a sheet of baking paper and pop in the fridge for ½ hour. (Image 6)
- Grabe teaspoonfuls of the mixture and roll into balls, before flattening. (Images 7 and 8)
- Top with M and Ms and bake for 15 minutes. (Image 9).
- Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack until completely cool .
Expert Tips and FAQs
Simple, they will keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you are somewhere humid or hot, pop the container in the fridge.
Sure! Either freeze when cooked for the until grab and serve treat, or freeze the dough after cooling to then cut into rounds, top with m and ms and bake.
More Christmas food ideas
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Christmas Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- 250 grams butter room temp (softened!)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 300 grams plain flour
- 2 tsps vanilla paste
- christmas M&M's
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and creamy in an electric mixer.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix for 1 minute more.
- Add the flour and mix with a spatula to form a dough.
- Wrap the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees.(355F)
- Take teaspoons of the dough mixture and roll into balls place on a lined oven tray.
- Press down on each ball and then add the M &Ms.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Cool on the tray for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe video
Nutritional Information
This recipe was originally published in November 2018, and has been fully republished on November 30/2021, including new images, new process shots and a video.
Aliesha says
These Christmas Butter Cookies were easy to whip-up and were a hit with everyone. Thanks!
Adrianne says
These are so cute!! If I was Santa, I would definately be stopping at your place. I think it was a good idea to get the Christmas M and M's too instead of eating all of the other colours. What a super fun and bright idea.
Kylie says
Yes, I am totally owning the decision to get the Christmas ones. Much better for my waistline!