Christmas shortbread cookies are a holiday classic, beloved for their buttery texture and delicate sweetness. These cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for festive gatherings, gift-giving, or as a simple treat with a warm cup of tea.
Jump to RecipeFollow this tried-and-true recipe to bake cookies that melt in your mouth and fill your home with the aroma of the holidays.
PRO TIPS for the Best Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of shortbread relies heavily on butter, so choose the best you can find for a rich and creamy taste.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Roll Evenly: Use a rolling pin to ensure the dough is evenly rolled to avoid uneven baking.
- Decorate Before Baking: If adding sprinkles or sugar, press them gently into the dough before baking for better adherence.
Why Shortbread Cookies?
Shortbread cookies are a staple for holiday baking because of their simplicity and versatility. Their tender, crumbly texture and buttery flavor make them universally loved.
Whether plain, decorated with icing, or shaped into festive designs, they bring a touch of tradition and joy to any holiday celebration.
Personalizing the Recipe
Personalize your shortbread cookies by incorporating festive flavors like orange zest, almond extract, or a dash of cinnamon.
Use colorful sprinkles or dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a festive twist. You can also experiment with different cookie-cutter shapes to match your holiday theme.
Ingredients
Unsalted butter (room temperature): The key to creating a rich, tender texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness. –
Egg: Helps bind the dough for easy handling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma. –
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
Baking powder: Adds a touch of lightness to the texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor. –
Powdered sugar: Optional for dusting or decoration.
Christmas shortbread cookies recipe
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to form a smooth dough.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 6. Roll and Cut Shapes: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill Again: Refrigerate the cut cookies for 30 minutes to help them retain their shape.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown. Let them cool completely on the tray.
Different Baking Methods
Air fryer Christmas cookies
For small batches, you can bake these cookies in an air fryer at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid over-baking.
This method is great for quick and efficient baking without preheating a large oven.
Check out more Air Fryer cookies in this post.
Different Methods of Serving
- Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange them with other holiday cookies for a beautiful dessert display. – Gifting: Pack in decorative tins or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift. – Accompaniment: Serve alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Iced Cookies: Add royal icing or glaze for a festive look. – Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. – Layered Treats: Sandwich two cookies with a layer of jam or Nutella for an indulgent twist.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw before rolling. 2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. 3. Why do my cookies spread during baking? Ensure the dough is chilled thoroughly before baking, and avoid overmixing the dough. 4. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips? Absolutely! Fold in your favorite mix-ins before chilling the dough for extra flavor and texture.
Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted: room temperature 2 sticks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to form a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill Again: Refrigerate the cut cookies for 30 minutes to help them retain their shape. 8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden brown. Let them cool completely on the tray.
Notes
Enjoy baking these delightful Christmas shortbread cookies, and share the joy of the season with every bite!
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
