This classic Christmas cookie recipe combines the rich flavors of butter and lard for a tender, flaky texture ideal for cut-out holiday shapes. Infused with just the right amount of sweetness and topped with homemade frosting, these cookies are perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is. Their soft crumb and delicate crunch make them a seasonal favorite across generations of home bakers, especially for festive gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 lb butter
- ½ lb lard
- 6-6½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
Optional:
- Few drops of anise oil (optional)
- Enough medium cream to handle dough
For the Frosting:
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 lb confectioners' sugar
- cream (enough to make it spreadable)
Instructions
Step 1: Sift Dry Ingredients
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Combine Fats
- Add butter and lard to the dry ingredients. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to pie dough.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs
- Stir in the sugar. Beat the eggs and add them to the dough.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Cream
- Add a few drops of anise oil, if using. Gradually mix in enough medium cream to bring the dough together in a soft but manageable consistency.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
Step 6: Bake
- Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350–375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Step 7: Frosting Preparation
- Beat butter and egg together. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and just enough medium cream to create a spreadable consistency.
Step 8: Decorate
- Once cookies are completely cooled, frost and decorate as desired.
Tips
- Use all butter if you prefer not to use lard; the cookies will spread slightly more.
- Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes for cleaner cookie-cutter shapes.
- Add vanilla or almond extract (1 to 2 teaspoons) for more flavor.
- Roll dough thicker for softer cookies, thinner for crispier ones.
- Dust your rolling surface with powdered sugar instead of flour to avoid toughness.
- Add food coloring to the frosting for festive holiday designs.
- For extra richness, replace part of the cream with half-and-half.
- Decorate with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or chopped nuts before the frosting sets.
- Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) to brighten the flavor.
- Freeze rolled, unbaked dough shapes for easy make-ahead holiday baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 122mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 257IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!