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Fluffy Butter Cookies – Easy Christmas Swirl Treats

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These fluffy butter cookies are a classic Christmas treat, featuring buttery, melt-in-your-mouth swirls that are easy to make and perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings. Their festive colors and pillowy texture make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • Red and green gel food coloring (optional, for decoration)
  • Sprinkles or coarse sanding sugar (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat for another minute until fully incorporated.
  4. Sift together flour and salt. Add to the butter mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed after each addition. Stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
  5. If desired, divide dough into bowls and add red and green gel food coloring to separate portions. Mix gently until colors are even.
  6. Fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Fill the bag with colored doughs (for multi-color swirls, place colors side-by-side in the bag). Pipe 2-inch swirls onto prepared sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
  7. Sprinkle coarse sugar or holiday sprinkles on top.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are lightly golden at the edges and soft in the center.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, whip butter and sugar until very fluffy. Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth dough. Chill dough if it becomes too soft to pipe. Cookies can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze unbaked swirls for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter cookies, Christmas cookies, swirl cookies, holiday baking, easy cookies, festive treats, melt-in-your-mouth, piping bag cookies, classic cookies, edible gifts

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