These classic Christmas shortbread cookies are buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they can be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch for your holiday celebrations or to give as gifts.
Festive Shortbread Cookie Overview
Classic Christmas shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Their buttery, crumbly texture makes them a favorite among cookie lovers.
These cookies can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with colorful icing and sprinkles, adding a festive flair to any gathering. Shaped like stars and trees, they not only taste great but also look stunning on a holiday platter.
Simple Ingredients for a Holiday Classic
The beauty of shortbread cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch that will impress family and friends.
Key components include unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and a touch of vanilla extract for flavor. Optional decorations like colored sprinkles can transform these cookies into a festive masterpiece.
Creating the Perfect Dough
Making the dough for these cookies is straightforward and quick. Begin by creaming together softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Incorporate vanilla extract, followed by the gradual addition of flour and salt. This process results in a soft dough that can be easily shaped into various forms, whether you prefer round cookies or festive cut-outs.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Baking these cookies is where the magic happens. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once shaped, the cookies should be baked until their edges turn lightly golden, which usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Decorating for the Holidays
Once cooled, the fun part begins—decorating! Use colorful icing to bring your cookies to life, and sprinkle on some festive toppings for an extra pop of color.
Whether you choose to keep it simple or go all out with decorations, these cookies will surely add a cheerful touch to your holiday festivities.
Perfect for Gifting and Sharing
These classic shortbread cookies are not just for personal enjoyment; they make wonderful gifts too.
Pack them in decorative boxes or tins, and share them with friends, family, or neighbors. Their charming appearance and delightful taste will surely spread holiday cheer wherever they go.
Easy Shortbread Cookies for the Holidays
This shortbread cookie recipe features a rich buttery flavor and a tender texture. The dough comes together quickly and can be shaped into rounds or cut into festive shapes. The recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: colored sprinkles or icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. For cut-out cookies, roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: If desired, decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g