There’s something truly magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of cookies wafting through the house, the warmth of the oven, and the laughter of family gathered around—these are the moments I cherish. My Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a classic treat that embody all of that joy and nostalgia. They’re buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights that remind me of cozy winter evenings spent with loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported back to those sweet holiday memories. Let’s get ready to create some deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies. Gather these ingredients and let’s get started!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for the best texture!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (this adds a lovely depth of flavor!)
With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to creating some seriously scrumptious Christmas Shortbread Cookies that will make your holiday season even sweeter!
How to Prepare Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Let’s dive into the joy of making these Christmas Shortbread Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of buttery goodness ready to enjoy in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked or unevenly baked cookies!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next up, grab a mixing bowl and let’s cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a sturdy wooden spoon works just fine too! You want to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re after. Don’t rush this step; take your time to really aerate the butter!
Mixing in the Extracts
Now, it’s time to add in the vanilla and almond extracts. These little additions will elevate the flavor of your cookies to a whole new level. Mix them in until combined, and just breathe in that delightful aroma—wow, isn’t it heavenly?
Forming the Dough
Gradually add the flour and salt to your creamed mixture, mixing gently until a dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit crumbly at first; keep mixing until everything comes together nicely. This dough should feel soft and slightly sticky, but not overly wet!
Rolling and Cutting the Dough
Now comes the fun part! Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. If you find the dough a bit too sticky to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it so much easier to roll out! Once it’s rolled, grab your favorite cookie cutters and start cutting out those festive shapes. I love using stars and trees, but the possibilities are endless!
Baking the Cookies
Place your cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re just lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them—these cookies can go from perfect to too brown in the blink of an eye! Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit before you dig in!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Christmas Shortbread Cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little pointers can make a world of difference.
- Use high-quality butter: Since butter is the star of this recipe, go for the best unsalted butter you can find. It really enhances the flavor and texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming. This helps achieve that fluffy texture we want. Cold butter will just not cut it!
- Don’t overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be tender!
- Chill the dough: If you’re having trouble rolling out the dough, don’t hesitate to chill it for a bit. It makes handling so much easier and helps maintain those lovely shapes during baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended baking time. You want them lightly golden, not overly brown.
- Decorate with flair: Once cooled, get creative with icing or sprinkles! A simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch that’s both beautiful and delicious.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of Christmas Shortbread Cookies that will impress everyone—your friends and family will be raving about them!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these tasty Christmas Shortbread Cookies! Just a heads up, nutrition details can vary based on the brands and specific ingredients you use, so consider this more of a guideline than a strict rule. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
So, while you’re indulging in these buttery delights, keep in mind that moderation is key. But honestly, I believe the joy of baking and sharing these cookies far outweighs any numbers on a label! Enjoy every bite—after all, it’s the holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time!
- Deliciously buttery: These cookies melt in your mouth and are the perfect treat for cookie lovers.
- Perfect for gifting: Wrap them up in festive packaging, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Great for holiday gatherings: Whether it’s a cookie exchange or a holiday party, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
- Endless decorating options: Get creative with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make them festive!
- Classic holiday flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies that nostalgic taste we all love.
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making these Christmas Shortbread Cookies, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones I hear. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and seal them tightly in a freezer-safe container.
Can I substitute the butter?
If you’re looking to make a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s unsalted, just like the traditional butter, to keep the flavor balanced!
What can I use instead of almond extract?
No problem! If you’re not a fan of almond extract or have an allergy, you can simply use more vanilla extract instead. It’ll still taste amazing! You could also try a few drops of hazelnut extract for a nutty twist.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can get as creative as you like. Try a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk, or sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking for a festive touch. You can even dip them in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on them! They’re done when the edges are just lightly golden. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft right out of the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! I love sharing the joy of baking these delightful cookies and can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked up a delicious batch of Christmas Shortbread Cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Cookies: Once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you’re like me and want to keep them around a bit longer, you can also freeze them!
- Freezing Cookies: To freeze your cookies, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! Just make sure to seal the container tightly to avoid freezer burn.
If you want to enjoy them warm again, simply take out the desired number of cookies and let them sit at room temperature for a bit. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes a cookie that’s gone soft!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your Christmas Shortbread Cookies long after they come out of the oven. Enjoy every buttery bite!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Cookies: 5 Tips for Perfectly Buttery Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas Shortbread Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Festive Treats