If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, this Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Picture little buttery squares speckled with lively holiday sprinkles that melt in your mouth with every bite—these cookies bring that classic, tender shortbread texture but in cute, shareable bites that anyone will adore. Whether you’re pulling out the mixing bowls for a fun family activity or whipping up a batch to impress your holiday guests, this recipe fits perfectly into those cozy Christmas moments filled with warmth and sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites is wonderfully simple because the ingredients list is short but mighty. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that forms the tender crumb to the bursts of color the sprinkles add. These basics come together to create a cookie that’s refreshingly straightforward but absolutely festive.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened to room temperature for easy creaming, this gives your cookies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Confectioners’ sugar (1/2 cup): Adds smooth sweetness and helps tenderize the dough for delicate crumbly bites.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of warmth that elevates the shortbread’s flavor beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out the buttery notes in the dough.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that holds your cookie bites together.
- Christmas-colored sprinkles (1/4 cup): These little festive jewels brighten the dough and bring a holiday spirit to each bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by combining the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, whip them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. This creaming step is key—it traps air in the butter for a beautifully tender texture in your cookies.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Salt, Flour, and Sprinkles
Next, beat in the vanilla extract and salt until everything is fully combined. Then sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and those cheerful Christmas sprinkles. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together in a shaggy form—don’t worry if it looks a bit crumbly at first.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Use your hands to smooth out the ragged dough into a ball. It might feel slightly dry, but this is perfectly normal. As you work it, the dough will become more pliable and easier to handle, setting you up for neat, tidy cookie bites.
Step 4: Flatten and Chill the Dough
Divide your dough ball into two equal parts. Place each part inside a sandwich-sized Ziploc bag, seal it tightly, and then gently roll over the bag with a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about half an inch thick. Refrigerate the flattened dough for at least two hours or even overnight if you want to prepare ahead—a chilled dough bakes up with perfect shape and texture.
Step 5: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure easy clean-up and prevent sticking.
Step 6: Slice and Arrange the Cookie Bites
Take one of the chilled dough slabs from the fridge, remove the plastic bag, and slice it into small 1/2-inch squares. Place these cute bites onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about half an inch apart. Pop the tray back into the refrigerator while the oven finishes heating—that little extra chill helps keep their shape during baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Edges Just Brown
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges start showing a gentle golden color. Keep an eye on them—shortbread can go from perfect to overdone quickly, but this timing will give you that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cookies rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are ready to serve or package as wonderful homemade gifts.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy elegance to your cookie bites, making them feel extra special. You could also drizzle a little white or dark chocolate over the top for a decadent twist that looks irresistible and adds a smooth finish.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or classic eggnog. For a fun contrast, serve alongside a small bowl of mulled wine or cider to highlight the buttery sweetness and festive sprinkles.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is where your Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites really shine. Arrange them on a holiday-themed platter or stacked in a glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting. For parties, set up a “decorate your own cookie bite” station with extra sprinkles, edible glitter, and icing—it’s a joyful, interactive way to spread some holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookie bites keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh and crisp, try layering them with parchment paper between batches to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to make your Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe in advance, freeze unbaked rolled dough slabs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking. Baked cookies also freeze well in airtight containers for a month or two.
Reheating
Shortbread cookies are lovely at room temperature but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop a few cookie bites in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their buttery aroma and texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter can work, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance flavors. Unsalted butter gives you full control over the seasoning, which is especially important in delicate shortbread.
How do I keep my cookie bites from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before slicing is the best way to prevent spreading. Also, avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to maintain a tender, but firm dough.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still taste festive and delicious.
What other sprinkles work well in this recipe?
Feel free to use any holiday-themed sprinkles you love—reds, greens, golds, or even edible glitter add exciting pops of color. Just keep the quantity moderate so the dough holds together well.
Can I add flavors like almond or peppermint?
Absolutely! Try swapping half of the vanilla extract for almond extract or a few drops of peppermint extract to customize your Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe with your favorite festive flavor notes.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe is like wrapping up a little gift of buttery delight for yourself and your loved ones. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, these festive bites are a perfect way to bring smiles, warmth, and a sprinkle of holiday magic to your table. I promise, once you try them, this recipe will become a sweet staple in your holiday tradition—give it a go and let the joyous baking begin!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 45 (1/2-inch) cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites, perfectly buttery and tender with a pop of colorful sprinkles. Ideal for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine classic vanilla-infused shortbread dough with a fun sprinkle twist, baked to a delicate golden edge.
Ingredients
Shortbread 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-coloured sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand or hand mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until combined. Gradually add the flour and Christmas sprinkles, beating until a shaggy dough forms.
- Form Dough Ball: With your hands, shape the dough into a smooth ball; it may feel slightly dry but will soften as you handle it.
- Divide and Flatten Dough: Split the dough into two portions. Place each into a sandwich-sized resealable bag and seal. Use a rolling pin to flatten each inside the bag to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. Refrigerate the flattened dough for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half sheet baking pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Slice Dough into Bites: Remove one flattened dough slab from the refrigerator and cut open the bag. Slice the dough into 1/2-inch squares and arrange them about 1/2-inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the tray in the fridge while the oven preheats.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown lightly.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough before slicing helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Use a gentle touch when forming the dough ball to avoid overworking and toughening the cookies.
- Substitute sprinkles with finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a different variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
