Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
If you are craving a delightfully festive treat that melts in your mouth and bursts with holiday cheer, then this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bite-sized gems bring together the buttery richness of classic shortbread with the sweet crunch of holiday sprinkles, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family during the season. Simple to make yet irresistibly charming, these cookie bites will quickly become a cherished tradition and your go-to recipe for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these scrumptious Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness, to the sprinkles that give them their unmistakable holiday sparkle.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, 230g): Softened butter is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor with its warm, comforting aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250g): The foundation that gives structure without toughness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Brings festive color and a delightful crunch to every bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookie bites bake evenly to a perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is what gives shortbread its tender crumb. Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with warmth and depth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels a bit dry or crumbly, don’t hesitate to knead it gently with your hands until smooth and cohesive—this step ensures your cookies won’t fall apart.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles
Now for the fun part—gently folding in the holiday sprinkles. Mix them evenly throughout the dough so that each bite carries vibrant pops of red, green, and white, truly capturing the Christmas spirit with every morsel.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble (approximately 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter). If you want uniformity and ease, you can also roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes. This versatility makes it simple to tailor the shape to your preference.
Step 6: Bake
Place your cookie dough balls or cubes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown—this ensures a delicate crunch with a tender center.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Decoration
After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle some additional holiday sprinkles on top. This step is optional but makes them party-ready and visually irresistible.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For garnish, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of white or dark chocolate. Fresh mint leaves or small holly sprigs placed nearby can enhance the holiday display, making these cookie bites as beautiful as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie bites alongside a cup of steaming hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a festive holiday latte for an irresistible treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like brie or gouda, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a spectacular presentation, arrange your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe on a tiered serving tray adorned with holiday decorations. You can also package them in small festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with red ribbons to share as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and maintain their delicate crumb for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holidays or for unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their crisp edges and buttery softness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains varying amounts of salt. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level more precisely, resulting in the best flavor balance for your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture. The cookies may be slightly different in texture but just as delicious.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday twist, or incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty aroma. Just experiment a little to see what festive flavors you love best.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, double check that your butter isn’t too soft or melted before mixing. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping can also help keep the cookies from spreading too thin while baking.
How do I get the perfect sprinkle distribution?
To achieve an even sprinkle distribution in your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe, gently fold the sprinkles into the dough so they don’t crush or bleed color. This helps keep those festive colors vibrant and the texture just right in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is such a charming and satisfying way to bring holiday joy directly to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just for a cozy family treat, their simplicity and festive flair make them impossible to resist. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these little bites of Christmas magic as much as I do!
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Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 60 servings 1x
Description
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for festive celebrations. Featuring a simple dough studded with red, green, and white holiday sprinkles, these bite-sized cookies are easy to prepare and bake in just 30 minutes. Ideal for sharing at holiday parties or gifting during the season, they capture the classic flavor of shortbread with a cheerful, colorful twist.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Optional Decoration
- Melted white chocolate for drizzling
- Extra holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and cohesive.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to create festive bursts of color in each bite.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls roughly the size of a marble (about 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter). Alternatively, form the dough into a log and slice it into uniform cubes for consistent cookie shapes.
- Bake: Arrange the dough balls or slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling that they’re perfectly baked.
- Cool and Optional Decoration: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For extra festive flair, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top.
Notes
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overbake; shortbread cookies should be lightly golden but still tender.
- For uniform cookies, chilling the dough log before slicing can help maintain shape during baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- White chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a lovely decorative touch and extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
