Easy Christmas Shortbread with Creamy Nutella Filling Recipe

The holiday season calls for sweet treats that bring warmth and joy to your gatherings. This easy Christmas shortbread with creamy Nutella filling is exactly that—simple to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. From the buttery crunch of the shortbread to the rich hazelnut flavor of Nutella, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to holiday favorites.

this Recipe

You’ll love making this recipe because it’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels and requires only a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you’re wrapping them up as gifts or serving as a festive dessert, these cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfectly buttery, crumbly shortbread paired with smooth Nutella filling.
• Great for holiday gift-giving or party treats.
• Requires no special equipment beyond a baking sheet and mixing bowls.
• Can be customized with different nut spreads or toppings.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your Christmas shortbread with creamy Nutella filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup Nutella or your favorite hazelnut spread
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie

How to Make Easy Christmas Shortbread with Creamy Nutella Filling: The Best Holiday Treat!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter or a knife, cut the dough into 48 small squares or shapes.
5. Place half of the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
6. Let the baked cookies cool completely on wire racks.
7. Spread about 1 teaspoon of Nutella on each cooled cookie and sandwich with a second cookie, gently pressing together.
8. Optionally, dust the finished cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
9. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use softened butter at room temperature to ensure easy creaming with sugar.
• Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be pale with just slightly golden edges for a tender shortbread texture.
• Roll the dough evenly for uniform cookie thickness and even baking.
• If the dough gets too soft while working with it, chill it for 10 minutes before cutting.
• For variety, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough for a festive twist.

Storage and Reheating

Store the Christmas shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, place them in a sealed container or freezer bag and freeze for up to two months.

To enjoy after freezing, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them slightly warm, heat gently in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes—just enough to warm the Nutella filling without melting it completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! You can substitute Nutella with peanut butter, almond butter, or any other nut spread you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require dough chilling, but if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 10-15 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.

How do I make the shortbread more festive?

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest to the dough for holiday flavors. You can also sprinkle colored sugar or crushed candy canes on top before baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time for holiday parties?

Yes! They keep well at room temperature for several days and freeze beautifully. Prepare and assemble them a few days ahead to save time during the busy holiday season.