Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar (optional, for topping)
- Melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
- Colored sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract (if using).
- Sift the flour and salt together, then gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Using a cookie press, pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in your desired shapes. Alternatively, shape into small balls and press gently with your fingers to flatten.
- Add a decorative topping, if desired—such as coarse sugar, melted chocolate drizzle, or a whole pecan on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect before serving.
Notes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes | Kcal: 140 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
