If you’re looking for a charming and buttery treat that captures the spirit of the season, this Christmas Shortbread Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are effortlessly simple to create yet deliver a rich, comforting flavor that feels like a warm holiday hug. With just a handful of basic yet beautifully balanced ingredients, this recipe brings festive joy to your kitchen and the perfect sweet bite to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, classic ingredients is the first step toward creating truly spectacular Christmas shortbread. Each one plays an important role: the butter gives the cookies their signature crumbly texture, powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness, and the flour provides structure, while a touch of vanilla infuses warmth and sprinkles bring in a burst of festive color.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, creamy base that melts beautifully in your mouth.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create that soft, crumbly texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor, making the cookies irresistible.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body needed for perfect shortbread.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles or colored sugar (optional): Adds festive flair and a delightful crunch to celebrate the holidays.
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional): For that classic, snow-kissed finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your shortbread cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, setting you up for perfectly golden edges.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air, giving your cookies a lovely tender texture that practically melts on your tongue.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that beautifully complements the buttery richness.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it so your shortbread remains tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Festive Sprinkles (Optional)
If you’re feeling extra festive, gently fold in the red and green sprinkles now. This adds playful pops of color and a fun crunch to each bite, instantly making these cookies holiday-ready.
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create charming shapes or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles for a rustic look.
Step 7: Bake Until Just Golden
Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart on your baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for the edges to just begin turning golden. This precise baking time ensures the perfect crumbly texture without dryness.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a snowy finish, sprinkle them lightly with extra powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly transforms these cookies into a snowy delight, perfect for holiday tables. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or extra festive sprinkles for an eye-catching treat.
Side Dishes
Christmas shortbread pairs beautifully with hot beverages like rich cocoa, spiced mulled wine, or freshly brewed coffee. Its buttery sweetness balances the warm spices and robust flavors, creating a truly cozy holiday experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your shortbread on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or cranberries for a stunning centerpiece. Wrapping a few cookies in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Christmas shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and tender. Layering parchment paper between cookies helps prevent sticking and keeps them looking picture-perfect.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, roll, cut, and bake as directed. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to two months.
Reheating
Shortbread doesn’t require reheating, but if you prefer them warm, pop a few cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their texture and aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit or reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty shortbread. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor balance.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you’re out of vanilla, you can substitute with an equal amount of almond extract for a lovely nutty twist, or simply leave it out for a purer buttery shortbread flavor.
How do I make the sprinkles stay on the cookies?
Gently pressing the sprinkles into the dough before baking helps them stick well. Adding them into the dough also ensures they stay embedded during baking without falling off.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep in mind some blends might change the texture slightly, so choose one that’s good for baking.
How long do Christmas shortbread cookies last?
When properly stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. They maintain their delicious buttery texture and flavor throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Shortbread Recipe truly feels like a little slice of holiday magic in cookie form. It’s simple enough to whip up with kids or friends and special enough to share with guests, making your celebrations even sweeter. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and discover why these tender, buttery bites become an instant seasonal favorite year after year.
Print
Christmas Shortbread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Christmas Shortbread cookies, rich and buttery with a delicate crumb, perfect for holiday celebrations. These festive treats are lightly sweetened, flavored with vanilla, and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles for a cheerful touch.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep it tender.
- Add Sprinkles (Optional): If desired, gently fold in the festive red and green sprinkles for a colorful holiday touch.
- Roll Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring uniformity for even baking.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, or slice the dough into squares or rectangles as preferred.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their shape and texture.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar if desired for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for extra flavor.
- Dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month for convenience.
- For a decorative flair, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with extra festive sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish / Holiday
