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–+ servings
Christmas Cookies
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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 48 cookies
Calories 126 kcal

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 food coloring in the frosting for a festive holiday look.
  • Add a dash of vanilla or almond extract to the frosting for extra flavor.
  • If you don’t have lard, substitute with additional butter or shortening.
  • Chill the dough for easier rolling and cleaner edges when cutting shapes.
  • Sprinkle frosted cookies with colored sugars or sprinkles before the icing sets.

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
Keyword butter cookie, buttermilk, Christmas
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