Cranberry Christmas Buttons

Cranberry Christmas Buttons Recipe - Delicious Holiday Treats

Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Cranberry Christmas Buttons are a delightful holiday treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of a buttery cookie. These bite-sized buttons are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.

History

The recipe for Cranberry Christmas Buttons has been passed down through generations in many families as a traditional holiday treat. The combination of cranberries and a buttery cookie base is a classic flavor pairing that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

Dough

0.67 cup of margarine
2.5 cups of flour
0.5 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of vanilla

Topping

1 cup of cranberries
0.25 cup of orange marmalade
1 tbsp of honey

Glaze

1 cup of powdered sugar
0.25 tsp of vanilla
1 tbsp of milk

How to prepare

Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients.
Stir until the batter is smooth.
Chill the mixture for 3 hours.

Topping

In a saucepan, boil the cranberries, marmalade, and honey.
Once the cranberries pop, let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
Set it aside.

Glaze

Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a mixing bowl.
Set it aside at room temperature.

Preparation

Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
Divide the dough into thirds and roll out each third on a lightly floured surface.
Using a small round cookie cutter (approximately 1.5 inches wide), cut out the dough.
Place the dough on a cookie sheet.
Top each button with 1 tsp of cranberry filling.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until done.
Set the cookies aside to cool.
Drizzle them with the powdered sugar glaze.

Variations

Substitute the cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the dough for at least 3 hours to ensure it is easy to work with.

- Use a small round cookie cutter to create uniform buttons.

- Be careful not to overfill the buttons with cranberry topping to prevent them from spilling over during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cranberry Christmas Buttons with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough evenly ensures that the buttons bake uniformly.

- Be gentle when handling the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Replace the orange marmalade with apricot preserves for a different citrusy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dough and cranberry topping ahead of time and assemble the buttons just before baking for a time-saving option.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Cranberry Christmas Buttons on a festive platter and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cranberry Christmas Buttons with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful holiday snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the Cranberry Christmas Buttons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Christmas Buttons contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Christmas Buttons contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Christmas Buttons contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Christmas Buttons contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C and dietary fiber, providing essential nutrients for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine, milk, egg) and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cranberry Christmas Buttons are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Cranberry Christmas Buttons are a festive and delicious holiday treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a buttery cookie base. These bite-sized buttons are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas. I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for our annual holiday baking extravaganza. As I sifted through the faded index cards and handwritten notes, my eyes landed on a yellowed newspaper clipping tucked away in the back of the box. The headline read: "Cranberry Christmas Buttons – A Holiday Favorite!"

Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the brittle paper and read through the recipe. The ingredients were simple – flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and of course, fresh cranberries. The method seemed straightforward enough, but it was the description of the finished product that truly captured my imagination. The article described the Cranberry Christmas Buttons as delicate, buttery cookies bursting with the tartness of cranberries and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. I could practically taste them just by reading the words.

I knew right then and there that I had to make these cookies for our Christmas celebration. I had never heard of Cranberry Christmas Buttons before, but something about the recipe spoke to me. Perhaps it was the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, or maybe it was the festive name that conjured visions of holiday cheer. Whatever the reason, I was determined to master this recipe and add it to my repertoire of holiday treats.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, making sure to pick up some fresh cranberries from the market. As I creamed the butter and sugar together, the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of vanilla. I added the flour and gently folded in the cranberries, their vibrant red skins adding a pop of color to the dough. With each step, I felt a sense of anticipation building – would these Cranberry Christmas Buttons live up to their tantalizing description?

After shaping the dough into small rounds and baking them until golden brown, I pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The scent of butter and cranberries wafted through the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. Finally, it was time to taste my creation.

I took a bite of a Cranberry Christmas Button and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. The buttery cookie melted in my mouth, giving way to bursts of tart cranberry and a hint of sweetness from the powdered sugar. It was like a bite of Christmas itself – warm, comforting, and utterly delicious.

As I shared the cookies with my family and friends, I watched their faces light up with delight. They all agreed that the Cranberry Christmas Buttons were a new holiday classic, destined to become a staple of our Christmas celebrations for years to come. And as I basked in their praise, I couldn't help but feel grateful for stumbling upon that old newspaper clipping and discovering a recipe that would bring joy to so many.

So now, every Christmas season, I find myself reaching for that familiar yellowed paper and baking up a batch of Cranberry Christmas Buttons. Each time I make them, I'm transported back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe, and I'm filled with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. And as I share these cookies with my loved ones, I know that I'm passing down a tradition that will be treasured for generations to come. Because the true magic of the holidays isn't just in the presents or the decorations – it's in the simple joy of coming together and sharing delicious food made with love. And for me, there's no better way to spread that joy than with a plate of Cranberry Christmas Buttons.