Jolly 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Magical Christmas shortbread cookies bring sweet memories dancing across kitchen counters everywhere.

Crisp butter-rich squares melting softly on your tongue with delicate warmth.

Some classic recipes invite nostalgia like nothing else can.

Festive baking connects generations through simple ingredients and shared traditions.

Whispers of cinnamon and vanilla drift through holiday spaces, promising delightful treats.

These simple cookies require minimal effort but deliver maximum happiness.

We guarantee these morsels will spark smiles and create lasting memories around your table.

Best Pairings For Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Brew Festive Tea Pairing: Match these buttery shortbread cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, letting the bergamot's citrusy notes complement the cookie's rich, sweet flavor.
• Select Smooth Beverage Companion: Enjoy these delicate cookies alongside a creamy hot chocolate, creating a luxurious winter dessert experience that melts in your mouth.
• Create Dessert Wine Harmony: Pair the shortbread with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, which adds a light, sparkling dimension to the cookie's delicate texture.
• Craft Coffee Contrast: Serve these cookies with a strong espresso or cappuccino, allowing the coffee's robust flavor to balance the cookie's subtle sweetness.

Easy Ways To Change Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Nutty Christmas Charm: Fold chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for a crunchy texture that complements the buttery shortbread base.
• Citrus Holiday Sparkle: Zest orange or lemon into the dough to add bright, refreshing flavor that elevates the traditional cookie recipe.
• Chocolate Peppermint Fusion: Mix crushed candy canes and dark chocolate chips into the shortbread for a festive winter-inspired treat with cool minty undertones.
• Spiced Festive Edition: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a warm, aromatic cookie that captures classic holiday baking essence.

Christmas Shortbread Cookies Questions Answered

• What makes these shortbread cookies special?

These Christmas shortbread cookies are incredibly simple, requiring only 4 ingredients and minimal prep time. They’re perfect for holiday baking beginners and create a deliciously buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that captures the essence of traditional holiday baking.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes these cookies great for holiday planning and meal prep, allowing you to have fresh cookies ready whenever you want them.

• How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape. Using softened (not melted) butter and measuring flour accurately will also help prevent excessive spreading during baking.

• Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes! These shortbread cookies are excellent for holiday gifts. They pack well, have a long shelf life, and look festive when decorated with sprinkles or a light dusting of colored sugar. They’re a thoughtful homemade present that everyone loves.

Why 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Are A Win

• Simplify Festive Baking: These Christmas shortbread cookies require only 4 ingredients, making them perfect for busy holiday bakers who want delicious treats without complicated steps.
• Enjoy Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and powdered sugar creates an incredibly soft, delicate cookie that crumbles gently with each bite, delivering a classic shortbread experience.
• Create Quick Holiday Memories: With just 15 minutes of total preparation and baking time, these cookies offer a speedy way to spread Christmas cheer and make delightful homemade gifts for family and friends.
• Customize with Festive Flair: Easy to decorate with colored sugar, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle, these cookies allow bakers to add personal touches that make them unique and visually appealing for holiday gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Butter, Powdered Sugar: Creamy base that gives rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Softened butter ensures smooth mixing and perfect cookie consistency.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and classic shortbread crumbly texture. Use fresh, high-quality flour for best results.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the cookies. Pure vanilla offers the most authentic flavor.

• Colored Sugar, Sprinkles, Chocolate Drizzle, Icing: Festive toppings that add visual appeal and extra sweetness. Choose colors and styles that match your holiday theme.

How To Make Christmas Shortbread Cookies Fast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper, creating a perfect runway for your festive treats.

Step 2: Create Creamy Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip the softened butter with powdered sugar. Beat them together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Keep mixing for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Bring the Dough Together

Slowly introduce flour to your buttery mixture. Gently mix until a soft, tender dough emerges. If you’re feeling fancy, splash in some vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Shape Your Festive Treats

• Roll the dough into adorable 1-inch balls
• Flatten them for classic shortbread style
• Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness
• Use holiday cookie cutters to create magical shapes

Step 5: Add Some Sparkle

• Sprinkle colored sugar on top
• Press festive sprinkles into the dough
• Get wild with your decorating creativity

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your cookie masterpieces on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about an inch of space between each cookie. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for those edges turning a gentle golden brown – that’s your signal they’re almost done!

Step 7: Cool and Celebrate

• Drizzling with melted chocolate
• Adding a delicate icing design
• Dusting with powdered sugar

• Keep butter at room temperature for easier mixing
• Don't overmix the dough – it can make cookies tough
• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh
• These cookies make perfect gifts or party treats

Enjoy your homemade holiday shortbread! Each bite is a little piece of joy.

Tips To Help With Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Soften Butter Strategically: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure perfect creaming consistency without melting.
• Prevent Crumbly Dough: Measure flour precisely using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dry, crumbly cookie texture.
• Create Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to guarantee consistent size and even baking for perfectly shaped shortbread.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with add-ins like orange zest, lavender, or ground nuts to elevate the classic shortbread recipe.
• Master Cooling Technique: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set structure before transferring to a wire rack, preventing potential cracking.

Storing And Reheating Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Refrigerate: Store cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent crumbling or breaking.
• Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen shortbread maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Alternatively, enjoy them at room temperature for a classic, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Moisture Control: Place a piece of parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking and absorb excess moisture during storage.

4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Shortbread Cookies shine with buttery simplicity and holiday cheer. Crisp, melt-in-mouth delights invite warm gatherings where you savor sweet memories of seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Festive sprinkles
• Colored sugar
• Chocolate drizzle or icing

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for cookie placement.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and creamy consistency, which typically requires 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing.
3. Gradually introduce the flour into the butter mixture, gently folding and blending until a cohesive, soft dough emerges. If desired, incorporate the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Craft the cookie shapes by either rolling the dough into delicate 1-inch spheres or gently flattening them for a classic shortbread appearance. Alternatively, roll the dough to a slim 1/4-inch thickness and utilize festive cookie cutters to create whimsical holiday-themed shapes.
5. For an optional decorative touch, sprinkle colored sugar or press delicate sprinkles onto the cookie surfaces, adding a playful and festive dimension.
6. Arrange the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading during baking. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the edges to develop a subtle golden hue.
7. Once removed from the oven, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach complete room temperature. For an extra indulgent finish, consider drizzling with chocolate or adorning with a delicate icing.

Notes

• Keep butter at room temperature for easier creaming, ensuring a smoother, more uniform cookie texture.
• Use powdered sugar for a more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that’s less grainy than granulated sugar.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges during baking.
• Experiment with flavor variations by adding orange zest, lavender, or finely chopped nuts to the basic recipe for a unique twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg