Butter Cookie Box

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Butter Cookie Box

Holiday butter cookie box filled with assorted crisp and tender cutout cookies is a delightful treat for any occasion. With just one versatile dough, you can create three different flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and matcha—and more than ten unique cookie variations. This Butter Cookie Box is perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or simply enjoying at home. The endless decoration possibilities make these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Butter Cookie Box
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Versatile Flavors: Make cookies in vanilla, chocolate, and matcha using one dough.
  • Endless Decoration Options: Customize your cookies with melted chocolates, jam, or crushed nuts.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday gifting or gatherings with friends and family.
  • Easy to Prepare: Simple steps ensure even novice bakers can create delicious results.
  • Large Batch: Yields 80 cookies, making it great for parties or cookie exchanges.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Butter Cookie Box, gather all the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and improve your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixer (electric hand mixer or stand mixer)
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheet
  • Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixer: An electric mixer saves time and ensures a creamy butter-sugar mixture essential for texture.
  • Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness in the dough, ensuring uniform baking.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easy.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool quickly and evenly before decorating.
Butter

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 560 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 450 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For Flavors and Decorations

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons matcha powder
  • coarse sugar crystals
  • white chocolate (melted)
  • dark chocolate (melted)
  • pistachios (roughly crushed)
  • Nutella or Biscoff spread (warmed until melty)
  • jam
  • powdered sugar

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together flour and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat softened butter on medium speed until very creamy. Add the sugar and cream together until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until just combined. The dough should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed.

Step 2: Flavor the Dough

  1. Divide the dough into three bowls (about 400g each).
  2. Set one bowl aside as vanilla dough.
  3. Add cocoa powder to one bowl and matcha powder to another; knead until combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Place each portion of dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
  2. Use a rolling pin to roll out each dough portion until about 1/8 thick.
  3. Chill all three rolled-out cookie doughs in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until solid.

Step 4: Cut Out Cookies

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Peel off parchment from one side of the chilled dough; cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  3. Transfer cutouts to lined baking sheets with about 1/2 spacing between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

  1. Chill the baking sheet in the fridge while preheating your oven to 350°F.
  2. Re-roll scraps between parchment paper if needed; chill again until solid.
  3. Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown on edges.
  4. Transfer baked cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies

  1. Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle it across them using a piping bag with a snipped tip.
  2. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top before chocolate hardens.
  3. For sandwich cookies, add dollops of jam or melted spread on half of them, then sprinkle powdered sugar on the remaining halves before pressing them together.

Arrange a delightful selection of your beautifully decorated cookies in a tin or box starting with larger cookies first and filling gaps with smaller ones for an appealing presentation.

Enjoy your delicious Butter Cookie Box filled with flavors that everyone will love!

The Butter Cookie Box is not only a delightful treat but also a fantastic way to share joy during the festive season. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your cookie presentation memorable.

With a Warm Beverage

  • Hot Chocolate: Serve your cookies alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate for the perfect cozy pairing.
  • Herbal Tea: A fragrant herbal tea balances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal accompaniment.

As Gift Packages

  • Decorative Boxes: Arrange assorted cookies in beautifully decorated boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
  • Festive Jars: Layer cookies in mason jars with ribbons for a charming and portable gift option.

At Holiday Gatherings

  • Cookie Platter: Create an inviting cookie platter on your dessert table, showcasing the variety of flavors and shapes.
  • Cookie Sandwiches: Offer cookie sandwiches with fillings like jam or Nutella for a delicious twist that guests will love.

Perfecting your Butter Cookie Box takes just a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies are always a hit.

  • Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough before cutting. This helps maintain the shape of the cookies when baked.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and fresh ingredients for better flavor and texture.
  • Uniform Sizes: Use cookie cutters of similar sizes for even baking and a polished look in your box.
  • Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like sprinkles or dried fruits for added visual appeal.
  • Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispiness over time.

While the Butter Cookie Box shines as a standalone treat, pairing it with delightful side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options:

  1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweet richness of the cookies.
  2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast that balances sweetness.
  3. Nuts Variety: Serve mixed nuts alongside for crunch and protein, creating an enjoyable texture contrast.
  4. Mini Cupcakes: Add small cupcakes with complementary flavors such as vanilla or chocolate as delightful accompaniments.
  5. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light, creamy side that pairs well with cookies.
  6. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can create their own sundaes using various toppings, including crumbled cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making butter cookies can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.

  • Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
  • Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Take the time to chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours.
  • Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten and make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
  • Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies and remove them when they are slightly golden on the edges, even if it’s before the suggested time.
  • Neglecting decorations: A beautifully decorated cookie adds appeal. Don’t rush this part! Take time to drizzle chocolate or sprinkle nuts for that finished touch.
Butter

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Ensure cookies are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes until just warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
  • Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and storing your Butter Cookie Box.

You can customize your Butter Cookie Box by adding different flavors or toppings. Consider using almond extract instead of vanilla or experimenting with various sprinkles.

Can I use different types of flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with alternatives like gluten-free flour blends, but note that the texture may vary slightly.

Store your butter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and replace the egg with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan version.

What is the best way to decorate my cookies?

Decorate with melted white or dark chocolate, crushed nuts, or colorful sprinkles. You can also sandwich them with jam or nut spreads!

Final Thoughts

This Butter Cookie Box recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With endless customization options, you can create a unique treat that suits any occasion. Whether you’re preparing gifts or indulging yourself, these assorted flavors will surely delight everyone. Give this recipe a try and explore all the creative ways you can enjoy these delightful cookies!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Butter Cookie Box

Butter Cookie Box


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 80 cookies (yield may vary based on cookie size) 1x

Description

Create a delightful Butter Cookie Box filled with an assortment of cookies in vanilla, chocolate, and matcha flavors. Perfect for festive occasions or simply as a sweet treat at home, this recipe allows you to make over ten unique cookie variations from a single dough. With endless decoration possibilities, your cookies will not only taste great but also look visually stunning. Ideal for sharing with friends and family or gifting during the holiday season, this cookie collection promises to be a crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 560 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 450 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons matcha powder (for matcha flavor)
  • coarse sugar crystals
  • white chocolate (melted)
  • dark chocolate (melted)
  • pistachios (roughly crushed)
  • Nutella or Biscoff spread (warmed until melty)
  • jam
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Combine flour and salt in a bowl; set aside. Beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
  3. Gradually add dry ingredients until crumbly yet cohesive. Divide into three portions: one for vanilla, one mixed with cocoa powder, one with matcha powder.
  4. Roll out each dough between parchment paper to 1/8" thick and chill for 1-2 hours.
  5. Cut shapes using cookie cutters and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around edges.
  6. Cool completely before decorating with chocolate drizzles or crushed nuts.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: <1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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