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
Scale
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
