If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the warmth and festive spirit of the season, you’ll fall head over heels for this Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe. These little bites are buttery, tender, and gently sweetened with a hint of vanilla, all adorned with joyful Christmas-colored sprinkles that bring instant holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or gifting to friends, this recipe delivers charming, bite-sized cookies that melt in your mouth and brighten any holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of great shortbread cookie bites comes from simple, high-quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays an essential role in creating the tender crumb, slightly crumbly texture, and festive look that make this treat so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth and creamy base, giving the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Confectioners’ sugar: This fine sugar dissolves effortlessly to add gentle sweetness without grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile with warm, inviting notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds your cookies together with the perfect bite.
- Christmas-colored sprinkles: These festive sprinkles bring a cheerful pop of color and fun texture to each cookie bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by combining the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for that signature tender texture in your shortbread.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Salt, Flour, and Sprinkles
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until everything is smooth. Gradually add the flour along with the festive sprinkles, beating until the dough takes the form of a shaggy ball. The sprinkles add an extra burst of holiday magic right inside the dough.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Use your hands to bring the dough into a smooth ball. It might feel a bit dry at first, but don’t worry—it will soften as you work with it. This tactile step is part of the joy, shaping your soon-to-be delicious shortbread.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two portions and place each one in a sandwich-sized zip-top bag. Seal and use a rolling pin to flatten each portion inside the bag to about 1/2-inch thickness. Refrigerate for 2 hours or even overnight to make slicing easier and to set the shape.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Doing this ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick.
Step 6: Slice and Chill Again
Take one flattened dough slab from the fridge, remove it from the bag, and slice into tiny 1/2-inch squares. Spread the squares evenly on your baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart. Pop the tray back in the fridge while the oven finishes heating to keep the dough firm.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookie bites for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Watch closely—overbaking will dry them out, and we want tender, buttery perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookie bites cool on the baking tray for about 10 minutes so they firm up before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final touch ensures they hold their shape and crisp edges as you enjoy every bite.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling some powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled shortbread bites can take them to the next level of festive indulgence. Even a simple dusting adds elegance and extra sweetness, making your presentation pop at any holiday gathering.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, mulled wine, or a rich hot chocolate. Their buttery texture compliments cozy drinks perfectly and can also accompany a cheese platter or seasonal fruit to round out your holiday dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookie bites in small holiday-themed boxes or glass jars tied with festive ribbons for adorable gift ideas. Alternatively, create a colorful cookie platter layered with other classic Christmas treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread men to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Storing them this way helps maintain their delicate texture without becoming stale or too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough slabs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking fresh cookie bites.
Reheating
If you want to warm the bites slightly before serving, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their crumbly texture and revives their irresistible buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level in your baking.
Are the sprinkles necessary?
Sprinkles add a festive touch to these cookie bites, but you can skip them or substitute with finely chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon for a different flavor experience.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice cleanly and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also enhances their flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results can vary. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking, and slice into uniform pieces. Using parchment paper or silicone mats also prevents excessive spreading on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe is truly a little slice of holiday magic you can enjoy any time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create tender, buttery cookies that bring joy to your family and friends. Grab your rolling pin, sprinkle some festive cheer, and make this sweet tradition your own!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 45 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are buttery, tender, and sprinkled with colorful Christmas-themed sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations. Softly sweet and delightfully simple, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and a holiday favorite for cookie exchanges or gift boxes.
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Christmas-colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Flavorings and Dry Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat until incorporated. Slowly add the all-purpose flour and Christmas sprinkles. Beat until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
- Shape Dough: Use your hands to gather the dough into a smooth ball. It may feel slightly dry, but it will soften as you work with it.
- Divide and Flatten Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Place each portion into a sandwich-sized ziplock bag and seal. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough inside the bag to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight to firm up.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half-sheet baking pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Cut and Arrange Cookies: Remove one dough slab from the refrigerator, cut away the ziplock bag, and slice the dough into small 1/2-inch squares. Arrange the squares on the prepared baking sheet about 1/2-inch apart. Return the tray to the refrigerator while the oven finishes preheating to keep the dough cold.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they just begin to brown around the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat the cutting and baking process with the remaining dough portion.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a tender texture.
- Keep the dough cold before slicing and baking to maintain the cookie shape and ensure even baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Sprinkles add festive color but can be omitted or replaced with chopped nuts for a different texture.
- If dough feels too dry to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling out.
