Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are the ultimate festive treat that delivers classic shortbread goodness in the cutest, poppable form imaginable. Every bite offers that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, brightened up with a sprinkle explosion of holiday colors. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie swap, filling up the family treat jar, or searching for the perfect homemade gift, these delightful little cookies never fail to bring the holiday cheer. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, even on the busiest December afternoons.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of pantry staples transform into the irresistible magic of Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites. Don’t skip or swap any core ingredients—each plays a vital role in building the cookie’s soft crumb, delicate sweetness, and those festive pops of red and green.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The secret to melt-in-your-mouth richness; make sure it’s truly softened for the fluffiest creaming.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Brings gentle sweetness and a super fine texture that sets these cookies apart from regular sugar cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and that essential cozy aroma every holiday treat needs.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms a sturdy foundation and helps create the signature tender bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a hint makes all the buttery, sugary notes pop.
- Red and green sprinkles or nonpareils (3 tablespoons, plus more for topping): The heart of the holiday look; fold them in and don’t be shy about decorating with extra for joyful color.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This gentle heat is perfect for coaxing out buttery flavors without risking over-browning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—that way, your cookies lift right off and cleanup is a total breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step builds air into the dough and is key to the cookies’ tender texture, so don’t rush it! Pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Add Vanilla for Flavor
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. It may seem simple, but just one teaspoon gives your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites that signature comforting aroma that makes everyone smile.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the creamed butter and sugar, beating at low speed. Work in batches if needed, and stop mixing as soon as a soft, cohesive dough forms—overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want these bites as delicate as possible.
Step 5: Fold in Festive Sprinkles
Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles or nonpareils so they’re evenly distributed. Resist the urge to over-stir, or the colorful sprinkles may bleed. Now, the dough is ready to shape!
Step 6: Shape and Decorate
Roll the dough into ½-inch balls for perfect bite-sized treats and set them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Give each ball a gentle press with your fingers—just enough to flatten the tops a bit. If you want even more sparkle, scatter a few extra sprinkles on top here!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch for the bottoms to turn a light golden hue—this is your cue that they’re ready, even if the tops still look pale. Once baked, let the cookies rest on the pan for five minutes (this helps them firm up), then carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites
Garnishes
A handful of bright, shiny sprinkles right before or just after baking transforms each cookie bite into a tiny piece of edible holiday art. If you want a little extra sparkle, try a light dusting of powdered sugar once the cookies have cooled. For an indulgent touch, drizzle with a bit of melted white chocolate, then quickly scatter more sprinkles on top before it sets.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bites with mugs of creamy hot cocoa or spiced chai tea for dreamy December afternoons. They also shine alongside a cool glass of eggnog or a sparkling cranberry punch. On a holiday dessert tray, nestle your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites among chewy gingerbread, peppermint bark, and chocolate truffles for a festive sweet spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your cookie bites into giftable cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or stack them in a mason jar layered with extra sprinkles for a show-stopping presentation. For parties, thread them onto skewers or layer them in clear treat cups for a modern twist on the classic cookie platter. You can even use them as charming edible toppers for holiday cakes and cupcakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites will stay fresh and lovely for up to a week if you keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing so they keep their crisp-tender bite and don’t pick up extra moisture.
Freezing
These cookie bites freeze beautifully! Pile the cooled cookies into a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a holiday cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
While these cookies are perfect at room temperature, you can revive day-old or thawed bites with a quick warm-up. Pop them in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes—just long enough to enhance their aroma and restore that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter lets you better control the flavor, but in a pinch, salted butter won’t ruin your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites.
Can I add almond extract for a twist?
Yes! Adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of almond extract with the vanilla gives these cookies a lovely, nutty backdrop without overpowering the classic flavors. It’s a fun way to switch things up if you adore almond.
How do I make the cookies perfectly square instead of round?
If you love precision, gently press the dough into a rectangle about ½-inch thick, chill until firm, then slice into neat squares before baking. Your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites will have the most adorable, bakery-style edges this way.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it (tightly wrapped) for up to two days in advance. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before shaping and baking as usual.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may change slightly, but with all that butter and sugar, your gluten-free Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites will still disappear in no time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with the pure holiday joy packed into every bite of these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites. They’re simple, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles to every cookie lover on your list. Don’t wait—gather your sprinkles and get baking!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 50 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive sprinkles, these mini cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons red and green sprinkles or nonpareils (plus more for topping, if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add sprinkles: Fold in the holiday sprinkles.
- Shape and bake: Roll the dough into small 1/2-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly press each ball down with your fingers. Top with a few more sprinkles if desired. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week and freeze beautifully.
- You can add almond extract for a subtle nutty twist.
- For cleaner edges, roll and cut the dough into squares before baking.
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