Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Name: Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 0.5 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 teaspoon vanilla extract

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What are some of the best Christmas shortbread cookies ever? Every year, without fail, the first batch of cookies signals the official start of Christmas. And that’s it! What is baking in my house? What are some of the best holiday treats? If you love a good sugar cookie, but want something less intensely sweet and more decadent, then this is it. What are your new best friends? Isn’t it enough to get everyone in the holiday spirit? What makes these cookies unique?

What are Christmas shortbread cookies?

Christmas Shortbread Cookies are, at their heart, a simple, buttery cookie with an delicate crumb. Think of them as the elegant cousin of a sugar cookie. What are some of the best recipes for a potato salad made with just butter, flour, and sugar? The beauty of shortbread lies in its simplicity. What’s a blank canvas for holiday decorations? What are some good shortbread recipes that use butter? Shortbread Cookies the best flavor and texture. What are some of the easiest to make cookies?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to fall head over heels for this recipe? The flavor is simply divine – a perfect balance of buttery richness and subtle sweetness that just so happens. What melts in your mouth? What I love about this is the texture. Is it so crumbly yet holds its shape beautifully?

What is the Christmas magic? I adore using cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, and snowmen. What is a fun activity to do with the kids? What are sprinkles and icing What is fun for the whole family?

What is the best recipe for a healthy diet? Is it true that you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry? What can I do without spending hours in the kitchen? Is it cheaper to make a big batch of these than buying those pre-made holiday cookies? What are cookies in the store? Is it true that they taste better?

If you like chocolate chip cookies, you’ll like peanut butter cookies. I appreciate the simplicity and elegance of these. What are some of the best holiday treats?

How do I make shortbread cookies for Christmas?

Quick Overview

How do you make Christmas shortbread cookies? I’ll start by creaming together the butter and sugar, then gently mixing in the flour until just combined. How do I make a dough, roll it out, cut out your favorite shapes, and bake until golden brown. What is the best part about a glaze? What are some easy recipes to customize with your favorite extracts and sprinkles?

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor. I always splurge on European butter for these! * 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create that crumbly texture. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth. * 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Be sure to measure accurately! Too much flour will make the cookies tough. What are some ways to balance sweetness and enhance other flavors?

For the Glaze (optional): For
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: What does it taste like? * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon per 1 cup. Adds flavor to glaze. Sprinkles: For decoration, of course! I love using Christmas sprinkles. What are some of the best?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you prevent cookies from sticking? I learned the hard way that skipping the parchment paper is a HUGE mistake!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What are some ways to make an electric mixer last for about 3 minutes? Don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for creating a tender cookie. If the butter isn’t soft enough, it wont cream properly and you’ll end up with dense cookies.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

What is the best way to add vanilla extract to a dish?

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you distribute salt evenly in dough? I always sift the flour for a lighter texture, but it’s not essential.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry to Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix gluten in flour. Overmixing can result in hard cookies. When the dough starts to come together, stop mixing.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. How do you prevent cookies from spreading during baking? I sometimes chill it for an hour or even longer if I am busy doing other things. Can you chill it overnight?

Step 7: Roll Out and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. How do you cut out a cookie cutter? I love using Christmas cookie cutters like stars, trees, and snowmen!

Step 8: Bake

Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are crisp. Lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – they can burn easily! How long does it take for a cookie to bake? I recommend checking them at 12 minutes and adding more time if needed.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. To cool completely. How do I prevent them from breaking? If you try to move them while they’re still warm, they will likely crumble.

Step 10: Glaze (Optional)

While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, dip them in the glaze or drizzle it over the top of the cookie. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Step 11: Let Glaze Set

I like to let the glaze set before serving. I usually let them sit for about 30 minutes. This prevents the glaze from smudging.

What is the best way to serve it?

Christmas Shortbread Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. I love them during the holidays!

For Christmas morning: What is the bestServe with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate to start the day off right. What are some of the best holiday treats to serve on a platter?

For Christmas Brunch: What are someAdd them to a brunch spread alongside other sweet and savory dishes. What are some good pairings with sparkling wine or mimosa?

As Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve after Christmas dinner? What are some great side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream?

For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best cookies to serve on the couch with a cup of tea or coffee? What is the ultimate comfort food?

In my family, we always have a plate of these cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve! What is a tradition that my kids love?

How do I make a perfect Christmas shortbread cookie?

How do you make Christmas shortbread cookies? What are some of my top tips, learned from years of baking these goodies?

Butter Temperature: 6 Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to cream easily, but still hold its shape. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much during baking.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Don’t skip this step!

Roll Out Evenly: Roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure that the cookies bake evenly. I use a rolling pin with thickness rings to help me achieve this.

Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They can burn easily. Baking time will depend on your oven and the size of the cookies.

Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely before glazing them. This prevents the glaze from melting.

Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, use more milk.

I once tried to skip the chilling step to save time, and the cookies spread out into flat, shapeless blobs! It was a disaster! I learned my lesson – chilling is essential!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Here’s how:

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They may become slightly softer over time.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, they may become slightly dry.

Freezer Instructions: For the longest storage, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cookies, it’s best to freeze them unglazed. You can add the glaze after they’ve been thawed.

I usually make a big batch of these cookies and freeze some for later. It’s so nice to have a sweet treat on hand during the busy holiday season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the cookies together. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious! I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Almond extract is a wonderful addition, giving them a delightful nutty flavor. Peppermint extract is perfect for a festive twist. Just be sure to use a high-quality extract for the best taste.

My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?

The most common reason for cookies spreading too much is that the butter was too warm. Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. Also, make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar. You can also dip them in melted chocolate or drizzle them with caramel sauce.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition, a memory, and a taste of pure holiday joy. They’re incredibly easy to make, surprisingly versatile, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking them for Santa, sharing them with loved ones, or simply enjoying them on a cozy evening, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. I truly hope you give this recipe a try! If you love these, you might also enjoy my recipe for classic gingerbread cookies or my festive cranberry bliss bars!

Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please let me know if you have any questions or if you try any variations. I love hearing from you all!

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