Name: Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened); ⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted); 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup holiday sprinkles (jimmies, or nonpareils)

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There’s something magical about baking Christmas Shortbread Cookies during the holidays. As soon as I start mixing the ingredients, the sweet aroma of butter and sugar fills the kitchen, transporting me back to my childhood. It’s a cherished tradition in my family, where we would gather around the table, flour dusting our noses, laughter echoing as we rolled out the cookie dough. Each bite of these buttery cookies reminds me of the warmth of family gatherings, wrapped gifts, and twinkling lights. These cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile, perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
22 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8g g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Oven, Whisk, Baking Sheet

What You’ll Enjoy About This Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Perfectly Buttery

The star of the show is undoubtedly the unsalted butter. Its richness is what makes these cookies melt in your mouth. Using room temperature butter helps in achieving that light, fluffy texture that is essential for shortbread.

Simple Ingredients, Huge Flavor

With just a handful of ingredients, Christmas Shortbread Cookies are straightforward yet packed with flavor. The combination of powdered sugar and vanilla extract brings about a sweetness that’s not overpowering but just right for the holiday season. Plus, the addition of almond extract creates a lovely aroma that adds depth to the flavor profile.

Family Tradition

Baking these cookies has become a cherished family tradition for many. It’s a lovely way to bond, share stories, and create lasting memories, all while indulging in the joys of cookie-making. Every batch seems to taste better than the last, and sharing them with friends during the holidays brings everyone together.

Customizable and Fun

These cookies are incredibly customizable! You can add holiday sprinkles to make them festive or even dip them in chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. Each batch can be different, making it an exciting baking adventure.

Perfect for Gifting

Wrapped up in pretty boxes or holiday-themed bags, Christmas Shortbread Cookies make for perfect gifts. Friends and family will appreciate the homemade touch, and it’s a thoughtful way to spread holiday cheer.

Ingredients to Make Christmas Shortbread Cookies

The beauty of Christmas Shortbread Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor. The unsalted butter provides the richness, while powdered sugar adds a sweet touch without the grit of granulated sugar. The all-purpose flour is the backbone of the cookie, ensuring stability and structure. Together, they create a delightful cookie that melts in your mouth.

¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Essential for that rich, buttery flavor that shortbread is known for.
⅔ cup powdered sugar (sifted): Gives the cookies a delicate sweetness and a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, adding warmth and aroma.
¼ teaspoon almond extract: Provides a unique twist that complements the vanilla.
1¾ cups all-purpose flour: The main ingredient that forms the structure of the cookies.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Holiday sprinkles (jimmies, or nonpareils): For a festive touch that adds color and fun.

Recipe Steps for Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Creating Christmas Shortbread Cookies is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with delightful scents. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready to share or savor yourself. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure your oven is properly heated, as this is crucial for even baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add ¾ cup unsalted butter and ⅔ cup powdered sugar. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures everything is well mixed.
Next, add 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the fluffy mixture. Beat for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This step helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients throughout the dough.
With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. It’s best to incorporate the flour slowly to avoid a cloud of flour dust. Let the mixer work until all the flour is well blended and you have a smooth dough.
Once combined, increase the mixing speed to medium for about 30 to 45 seconds. This ensures your dough is light and fluffy — a key characteristic of great shortbread.
Remove the mixing paddle and refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up, which is vital for texture when baking.
Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop (approximately 1½ tablespoons), scoop the dough and gently roll each ball in the palms of your hands. This creates a smooth surface for the cookies.
Place the dough balls onto the parchment-lined cookie sheets, spaced about two inches apart. Flatten the tops using the tines of a dinner fork, creating a pattern while ensuring they’re about 1½ inches in diameter.
Go ahead and garnish each cookie with holiday sprinkles. This adds a festive flair that makes these cookies irresistible.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to remain a pale cream color, avoiding any golden brown.
Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before indulging!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling the Dough: This step is crucial! It not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Measuring Flour: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents packing too much flour, which can result in dry cookies.
Mixing Method: Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender shortbread.
Cooling Time: Letting the cookies cool on the baking tray helps them firm up. Moving them too soon may cause them to break apart.

Change It Up

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to customize your Christmas Shortbread Cookies to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are some fun ideas!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls. Just scoop them onto a tray, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Pairing: These cookies are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts! Try lemon or peppermint for unique twists on the classic flavor.
Decorating: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts for added texture.

Perfect Pairings for Christmas Shortbread Cookies

When serving your Christmas Shortbread Cookies, think about creating a delightful spread or pairing them with other festive items. Here are some ideas:

Hot Beverages: Serve these cookies alongside your favorite hot chocolate or spiced cider. The warmth of the drink complements the buttery flavors perfectly.
Festive Trays: Create a cookie platter with various holiday cookies, including gingerbread or peppermint bark, for a charming dessert table.
Gift Giving: Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes to share with friends and neighbors. It’s a sweet gesture that’s sure to be appreciated!
Seasonal Fruits: Pair with slices of seasonal fruits like oranges or pears. Their freshness contrasts nicely with the rich cookies.
Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are ideal for holiday parties or family gatherings, bringing a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.

FAQ

Christmas Shortbread Cookies stand out because of their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture. Unlike typical cookies that may contain leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, shortbread relies solely on butter, sugar, and flour for its structure. This simplicity allows the buttery taste to shine through, making them a delightful treat during the holiday season. The absence of eggs also contributes to their unique texture, making them more like a melt-in-your-mouth treat than a chewy cookie.

Absolutely! Adding chocolate can elevate your Christmas Shortbread Cookies to a new level of indulgence. You can incorporate chocolate chips directly into the dough before baking or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a festive touch. Another delightful option is to dip one half of each cookie in chocolate after baking. This combination of buttery shortbread and rich chocolate creates a delicious contrast that everyone will love!

To keep your Christmas Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When properly stored, they can remain delicious for about a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving!

Yes! Making Christmas Shortbread Cookies in advance is a great idea, especially during the busy holiday season. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. The dough can be stored in the fridge for a few days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake directly from the refrigerator or freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if frozen. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies even on the busiest days!

Conclusion

The magic of Christmas Shortbread Cookies lies in their rich, buttery taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a holiday favorite. With their simple ingredients and delightful flavor, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying during cozy evenings at home. I encourage you to try making them this holiday season; you won’t regret it!