Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk for brushing
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract optional
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a second medium bowl, use a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).
Combine Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg and the vanilla or almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until the dough just comes together.
Divide and Roll Dough
- Divide the dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out each half evenly to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut and Arrange
- Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out rounds. Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Decorate
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with 2 teaspoons of water. Brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle with colorful sugar for decoration.
Bake
- Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Decoration Ideas: Try drizzling with melted chocolate or using a mix of colored sugars for extra holiday cheer. Enjoy these buttery, crisp cookies as part of your favorite easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients! Perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts.
Freezing: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
Decoration Ideas: Try drizzling with melted chocolate or using a mix of colored sugars for extra holiday cheer. Enjoy these buttery, crisp cookies as part of your favorite easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients! Perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts.