These delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are a festive twist on a classic treat. Buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these bite-sized cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in the season’s spirit. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these colorful and irresistible cookies in no time.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Perfect for holiday cookie platters and gifts
- Customizable with festive sprinkles or chocolate drizzle
- Great for making ahead and storing
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Red and green sprinkles (or holiday-themed nonpareils)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Gently fold in the festive sprinkles.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into small, bite-sized squares.
- Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย About 50-60 cookie bites
- Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 12-15 minutes
- Total Time:ย 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped:ย Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Almond Flavor:ย Add almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Colorful Add-Ins:ย Use different colored sprinkles for various holidays and celebrations.
- Citrus Zest:ย Add orange or lemon zest for a refreshing flavor boost.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature:ย Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator:ย Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer:ย Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:ย These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
FAQs
How do I prevent my shortbread from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain the shape and prevents excessive spreading.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Why is my dough too crumbly?
If your dough is too dry, try adding a teaspoon of milk or an extra bit of butter to help it come together.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Whatโs the best way to cut uniform squares?
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to get even, bite-sized pieces.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips make a great addition.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.
Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Granulated sugar gives the cookies a slightly firmer texture, but powdered sugar can be used for a more tender result.
Why are my cookies too hard?
Overbaking can cause shortbread to become too crunchy. Remove them from the oven when they are just lightly golden.
Can I use food coloring in the dough?
Yes! Adding a few drops of red or green food coloring can enhance the festive look of these cookie bites.
Conclusion
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Simple yet delicious, these buttery treats bring festive charm to cookie platters and make wonderful homemade gifts. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or shared with loved ones, these little bites of joy are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Print
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: About 50 cookie bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festiveย Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bitesย are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holiday snacking! Made with just a few simple ingredients, these tiny shortbread cubes are crisp on the outside and tender inside. Decorated with colorful sprinkles, they add a fun and festive touch to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- 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 holiday sprinkles (red, green, white, or multi-colored)
Instructions
- Preheat the ovenย to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugarย in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extractย and mix until combined.
- Mix in the flour and saltย gradually until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Fold in the holiday sprinklesย and mix gently to distribute them evenly.
- Shape the doughย into a rectangular log, about ยฝ-inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cut into small cubesย (about ยฝ-inch pieces) and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool completelyย on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For extra festive cookies, drizzle melted white chocolate over them once cooled.
- These store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can freeze the dough log and slice when ready to bake.
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