There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Christmas Shortbread Cookies wafting through the house, wrapping you in a warm hug of buttery sweetness. With each crumbly bite, these little treats melt in your mouth, reminding you of cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations. heart-shaped cookie variations delicious Christmas cookies Just picture it: a snowy day outside, while inside, you’re surrounded by loved ones, hot cocoa in hand, sharing stories and laughter.
As you savor the last morsel of a cookie that’s both simple and elegant, you can’t help but feel that Christmas spirit bubbling up inside. These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting, decorating with icing, or simply indulging oneself while watching your favorite festive movie! festive cranberry cake.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute baking
- The rich butter flavor combined with just enough sweetness creates an irresistible treat
- Their elegant appearance makes them ideal for holiday platters or gifting
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips
The first time I shared these delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookies with my family during the holidays, their faces lit up like Christmas lights! fun holiday snack mix.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor; let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
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Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering the buttery goodness. For more inspiration, check out this Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookies; sift it for lightness and an even texture.
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Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
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Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor depth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Create Your Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You want it to look like a cloud!
Add Flour and Salt: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in pure vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma—trust me; this step is crucial!
Shape into Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers for that classic shortbread look.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Resist the urge to eat them right away; let them cool slightly first!
This delightful process is not only simple but also brings joy as you watch these cookies transform from simple dough into golden bites of joy! The smell alone is worth every second spent in the kitchen.
Now that you’ve mastered these delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookies, it’s time to share them with friends and family—or keep them as your little secret! Happy baking! For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Stuffing recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe offers melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor, perfect for holiday gifting or cozy family gatherings
- You can easily customize these cookies with your favorite flavors or toppings, turning them into a festive masterpiece that everyone will adore
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the best Christmas Shortbread Cookies, first cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in the flour. Chill the dough for a bit before rolling it out to ensure perfect shaping.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular flour for almond flour for a nutty twist. You can also add your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile of your Christmas Shortbread Cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them and thaw when ready to enjoy without losing their deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The secret to perfect shortbread is using high-quality butter; it makes all the difference in flavor
- Be sure not to overmix the dough; this keeps your cookies tender and crumbly
- Always chill your dough before baking for better shapes and textures
Sharing this recipe reminds me of last Christmas when my grandmother and I baked together, filling the house with sweet aromas while reminiscing about family traditions. Her approval made my day!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free flour for Christmas Shortbread Cookies?
Yes, gluten-free flour works well but may slightly alter the texture.
How long do these cookies last?
Christmas Shortbread Cookies can last up to a week in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough makes it easy to bake fresh cookies later on.
Christmas Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the warmth of the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookies. Each buttery, crumbly bite melts in your mouth, bringing back memories of cozy gatherings and joyful celebrations. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply enjoying while watching festive movies, these cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking. Easy to prepare and customizable, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until combined; the dough should be crumbly yet hold together when pressed.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet, flattening each slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden; let cool before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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