If you’re looking to bring a festive pop of color and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delight to your cookie jar, this Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe will quickly become your ultimate holiday favorite. These charming cookies balance simplicity with a charming, crunchy sprinkle coating that makes every bite a joyful celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe combines classic buttery goodness with vibrant green and red sugar for a cookie that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started is a breeze with these simple yet essential ingredients — each one brings something special to the table, from rich buttery flavor to sweet, delicate texture and those eye-catching festive colors.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Softened butter is the heart of these cookies, giving them that tender, melt-on-your-tongue texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds a delicate sweetness and helps create that classic smooth cookie crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor perfectly.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base ingredient that holds everything together for just the right chewiness.
- Pinch of salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup red colored sugar sprinkles: These bring a festive, crunchy burst of color and texture to each cookie.
- 1/4 cup green colored sugar sprinkles: The green sugar sprinkles add an irresistible holiday vibe and extra sweetness.
How to Make Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to have it ready for baking. Next, grab a stand mixer and beat the softened butter for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s beautifully soft and fluffy. Adding the powdered sugar and vanilla extract at this stage is key — it blends in smoothly and infuses that lovely vanilla aroma throughout the dough.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Once your butter mixture looks creamy and well combined, sprinkle in the flour and the pinch of salt. Mix these gently but thoroughly until the dough just comes together, forming a soft, manageable mass. Don’t overmix here, as you want the cookies to stay tender and delicate once baked.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Dough
Here’s where the festive fun begins: roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls, which help create the perfect cookie size. Then, roll each ball generously in the red or green colored sugar sprinkles, ensuring an even, sparkling coat. Lay them about one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet — using parchment paper can make cleanup a snap!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your beautifully speckled dough balls into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Watch closely — you want them set but not overly browned. They’ll firm up as they cool, keeping a delightful buttery crumb inside with a crisp sugary exterior.
How to Serve Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are festive all on their own, but sprinkling a little extra colored sugar or edible glitter on top just before serving can add an extra sparkle that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. For a sophisticated touch, dusting with a hint of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect that’s simply magical.
Side Dishes
Pair these Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe wonders with your favorite warm beverages like cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa, chai tea, or a creamy latte. The buttery flavor and sweet crunch perfectly complement the rich, cozy drinks, making your snack time an event.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the cookie tin! Arrange your green and red butter cookies on a holiday-themed platter or stack them in clear glass jars for stunning visual appeal and easy gifting. You might even tie bundles with festive ribbon to gift friends and family — such a warm, personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These butter cookies stay fresh for several days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them away from heat and humidity preserves their crisp edges and delightful crunch.
Freezing
Love these Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe so much you want to make them ahead? Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the baking time — just as fresh and festive!
Reheating
If you want to revive the fresh-baked feel, pop the cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes. This helps restore their delicate crispness and buttery aroma, making every bite as inviting as freshly out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using margarine instead of unsalted butter works well, especially if you need a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and similar in fat content for the best texture.
Why is the dough rolled into balls instead of being rolled flat and cut?
Rolling into balls and coating them with colored sugar creates that unique crunchy exterior that’s signature to this Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe. It also keeps the cookies soft inside and perfectly sized for snacking.
Can I use different colored sugar sprinkles?
You sure can! While red and green are great for holidays, feel free to get creative with your favorite colors for other occasions — the process and flavor remain fantastic no matter the sprinkle color.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer? Can I mix by hand?
Yes, mixing by hand is totally doable! Just beat the softened butter and sugar together vigorously with a wooden spoon or whisk until creamy, then gradually add the flour and salt until the dough comes together.
How long will these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these butter cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe enough for anyone wanting a simple, delightful, and festive cookie experience. From the buttery softness to that satisfying sugar crunch, each bite feels like a little celebration. Whip up a batch, share the joy, and watch these cookies become a beloved classic in your holiday traditions!
Print
Green and Red Butter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 22 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Green and Red Butter Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery, and subtly sweet, each cookie is rolled in vibrant colored sugar sprinkles that add a beautiful crunch and sparkle. Easy to prepare and bake, they make for a wonderful homemade gift or party snack.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (or margarine for dairy-free), softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Coating
- 1/4 cup red colored sugar sprinkles
- 1/4 cup green colored sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the softened butter to a stand mixer and beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour along with a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, ensuring all flour is fully combined without overmixing.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in the red or green colored sugar sprinkles until well coated. Arrange the coated dough balls spaced about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet; lining the sheet with parchment paper is recommended for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your colorful, buttery treats!
Notes
- Using margarine instead of butter makes these cookies dairy-free.
- Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- For more vibrant colors, use high-quality colored sugar sprinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Chilling the dough before rolling balls is optional but can help maintain shape.
