Butter Cookie Box

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by Alexia

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Butter Cookie Box

Holiday baking is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions, and this Butter Cookie Box is perfect for sharing with loved ones. With just one dough, you can create three distinct flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and matcha—each offering a delightful taste and endless decoration possibilities. This variety makes it ideal for holiday gatherings or gifting to friends and family.

Butter Cookie Box
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Versatile Flavors: You can customize your cookie box with different flavors and decorations.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create delicious cookies.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
  • Fun Decoration: Let your creativity shine with various toppings and fillings.
  • Great for Any Occasion: These cookies are suitable for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat at home.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your butter cookie box.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie cutters
  • Baking sheet
  • Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: Ensures even mixing and saves time when creaming butter and sugar.
  • Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness for your cookie dough, which is key to uniform baking.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking cookies.
Butter

Ingredients

To make your Butter Cookie Box, gather the following ingredients:

  • 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 Flavor Variations

  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons matcha powder

For Decorating

  • 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: Divide the Dough

  1. Divide the dough into three bowls, about 400g each. Set one bowl aside.
  2. Add cocoa powder to one bowl and matcha powder to the other; knead each until just combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Place each portion of dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
  2. Roll out until about 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Chill all three rolled-out 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 both sides of one sheet of dough, keeping it on the bottom sheet.
  3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the lined baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

  1. Chill the entire baking sheet in the fridge while preheating your oven to 350°F.
  2. Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes until slightly golden brown on the edges.
  3. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 6: Decorate Your Cookies

  1. Dip cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle it across using a piping bag with the tip snipped off.
  2. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top before the chocolate hardens.
  3. For sandwich cookies, add dollops of jam or melted Nutella/Biscoff spread between two cookies and sprinkle powdered sugar on top before pressing them together.

Arrange a selection of cookies in your cookie tin or box starting with larger cookies and filling gaps with smaller ones.

Enjoy your festive Butter Cookie Box, perfect for sharing joy during any celebration!

Serving a Butter Cookie Box is all about presentation and creativity. These delightful cookies can be arranged in various ways to impress your guests or make a lovely gift. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Festive Platters

  • Use a large platter to display an assortment of cookies. Arrange them by flavor or color for visual appeal.
  • Fill clear jars with different types of cookies. They look beautiful on countertops and make it easy for guests to grab a treat.

Gift Boxes

  • Package the cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons. This adds a personal touch and makes for a perfect gift during the holidays.

Assorted Baskets

  • Create a basket filled with cookies, tied with cellophane. This is ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Tea Pairing

  • Serve your butter cookies alongside a selection of teas. The flavors complement each other wonderfully, enhancing the overall experience.

To create the ultimate Butter Cookie Box, follow these simple tips to ensure delicious results every time.

  • Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking for firmer cookies that hold their shape well during baking.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and vanilla extract; they significantly enhance flavor.
  • Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when handling flour and butter.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different extracts or spices for unique cookie variations.
  • Decorate Creatively: Use various toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or colored sugar for eye-catching designs.

While butter cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can enhance your dessert table. Here are some tasty side dish ideas:

  1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
  2. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of mild cheeses that contrast nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
  3. Coffee Variations: Serve different coffee options like espresso or flavored lattes to pair beautifully with sweet treats.
  4. Milk Bar: Provide a variety of milk (whole, almond, oat) inviting guests to dunk their cookies as they please.
  5. Nut Mixes: A bowl of mixed nuts adds crunch and savory flavors that complement your sweet cookie selections.
  6. Ice Cream Scoops: Offer small scoops of ice cream as a side treat for those who love indulgent desserts alongside their cookies.
  7. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies into melted chocolate for extra decadence.
  8. Mini Muffins: Include an assortment of mini muffins to provide variety and additional flavors on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Butter Cookie Box, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Avoid these pitfalls for a delightful cookie experience.

  • Incorrect Dough Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter will not cream well, resulting in dense cookies.
  • Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies due to gluten development.
  • Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step helps prevent spreading during baking and ensures a better texture.
  • Neglecting Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking. An unpreheated oven can cause uneven baking and affect the cookie’s shape.
  • Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack before decorating. Decorating warm cookies can result in melted toppings and messy presentations.
Butter

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freeze unbaked cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
  • Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm; be careful not to overheat.
  • Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Butter Cookie Box.

A Butter Cookie Box is a delightful assortment of assorted cutout cookies made from a single dough that can be flavored and decorated in various ways.

Absolutely! You can add different extracts, spices, or even color the dough with food coloring for unique variations.

The total time is approximately 270 minutes, which includes preparation, chilling, baking, and cooling times.

Can I use different types of chocolate for decorating?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different chocolates or toppings like sprinkles or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness. They also freeze well!

Final Thoughts

The Butter Cookie Box is not only appealing but also highly versatile. With endless decoration options and flavors, you can tailor this recipe for any occasion. Try it out and let your creativity shine!

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: Alexia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Description

Indulge in the joy of holiday baking with our delightful Butter Cookie Box, a harmonious blend of three irresistible flavors: classic vanilla, rich chocolate, and vibrant matcha. This versatile recipe allows you to create a stunning assortment of cookies perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during special occasions. With easy-to-follow steps and endless decoration possibilities, even novice bakers will find joy in crafting these sweet treats. Whether you’re arranging them on a festive platter or packing them into a beautifully wrapped box, your homemade Butter Cookie Box is sure to impress!


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
  • 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

Instructions

  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.
  4. Divide the dough into three bowls, about 400g each. Set one bowl aside. Add cocoa powder to one bowl and matcha powder to the other; knead each until just combined.
  5. Place each portion of dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll out until about 1/8 inch thick. Chill all three rolled-out doughs in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours until solid.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel off parchment from both sides of one sheet of dough, keeping it on the bottom sheet. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the lined baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch between each cookie.
  7. Chill the entire baking sheet in the fridge while preheating your oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes until slightly golden brown on the edges. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
  8. Dip cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle it across using a piping bag with the tip snipped off. Sprinkle crushed nuts on top before the chocolate hardens. For sandwich cookies, add dollops of jam or melted Nutella/Biscoff spread between two cookies and sprinkle powdered sugar on top before pressing them together.
  9. Arrange a selection of cookies in your cookie tin or box starting with larger cookies and filling gaps with smaller ones.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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