Easy Christmas Shortbread Cookies

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The smell of shortbread baking in the oven will surely get you in the holiday spirit – a task that’s not always easy when you have a mounting list of things to do. There always seems to be a need for more cookies, and Christmas shortbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that is perfect for snacking on at home or giving as a gift.

The great thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to mix and easy to bake so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. You can use a mixer, but you don’t need one. And, you just need to allow time for the dough to chill. Decorate the cookies with frosting, sprinkles, or simply coat them in cinnamon and sugar shortly after they come out of the oven. #somuchyum

Making Shortbread Christmas Cookies is a perfect family activity too. Kids will love rolling the dough and using holiday cookie cutters. Once the cookies have cooled set out a few colors of icing and a variety of sprinkles for a fun cookie decorating party.

If you are planning to give these shortbread cookies as a gift, keep the decorations simple and place an assortment of shapes in a cute box and tie on a ribbon. Be sure to include a copy of your recipe with your gift.

Why You’ll Love These

• Holiday Tradition – Start a fun holiday tradition by kicking off the season with a shortbread making party with the whole family.
• Pantry Friendly – These cookies only contain a few simple ingredients that you should already have in your pantry.
• Easy to Make – Use a mixer or mix by hand. Either way, this shortbread cookie dough is easy to make.
• Perfect for Gift Giving – Place an assortment of cookies in a gift box or tin for a simple yet appreciated holiday gift that’s perfect for anyone on your list.

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer.
• Handy measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking parchment.
• Multi purpose mixing bowl.
• Bakeware.

How To Make Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat oven to 350F / 176C and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and spices. Then add into the wet ingredients and mix to form the dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours.
5. Roll the dough to a half-inch thickness and cut out shapes with festive cookie cutters.
6. Transfer to the cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden on the bottom.

How To Decorate Them

To make a super easy frosting for these cookies, follow these steps:

• In a small bowl, combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup.
• Add food coloring if desired, or leave it white as I did.
• When cookies are completely cooled, frost and then add festive sprinkles.

Shortbread Baking Tips

• Beat the butter and sugar well but avoid overmixing the dough when you add the additional ingredients. Just mix enough to incorporate everything.
• Be sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling and work quickly once you begin to roll out the cookies. If the dough gets too soft, pop it into the freezer for a few minutes before proceeding.
• Leave about 1-inch between the dough shapes to allow them room to spread while baking.
• You can also refrigerate the cut shapes on the cookie sheet for 20-30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overbaking the cookies.

Prep Ahead And Storage

Prep Ahead – The dough for these cookies will work best when refrigerated for at least two hours. Make the dough up to a few days in advance, wrap in plastic, and store in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Store – These keep for a really long time. You can easily store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 weeks.

Freeze – Follow the handy tips below for how to freeze these;

• Place finished cookies in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to three months.
• Thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes.

FAQS

My Cookies are Hard Not Buttery and Flaky. What Went Wrong?

It sounds like you overbaked your cookies. You don’t want to wait for these cookies to get brown before you remove them from the oven. Use a spatula to test them at 10 minutes.

If they are starting to get golden on the bottom and they can be lifted without melting into a gooey mess, they are ready to come out of the oven.

I Don’t Have Cookie Cutters. Can I still Make These?

Instead of cookie cutters, you can cut these cookies out using an upside-down drinking glass (PS – wine glasses work too).

Or, you can shape the dough into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and then refrigerate. You may find it easier to divide the dough and create two logs. After the dough has chilled, slice it into ¼ inch slices before baking.

I’m Out of White Sugar, Can I Use Brown Sugar Instead?

Brown sugar usually contributes to the chewiness of cookies. Shortbread is typically a little firmer so you probably don’t want to use brown sugar.

Why Do My Cookies Spread Out When I Bake Them?

As with any cookie dough, some spreading should be expected when baking. We recommend that you leave about 1-inch of space around each cookie so they don’t run together. If the shortbread cookies are spreading more than you expect them to, try placing your tray of prepared cookie dough in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before baking.

How Do You Arrange A Christmas Cookie Tray?

To make a Christmas cookie tray everyone will love, simply fill a large tray or platter with an assortment of Christmas cookies. I like to include a variety of colorful cookies with different flavors and textures for maximum appeal. For a truly festive cookie tray, try pairing these classic shortbread cookies with decadent Crockpot Christmas Candy, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Melted Snowman Cookies, and Christmas Lights Cookies. #christmascookietray

More Christmas Recipes

• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
• Melted Snowman Cookies.
• Christmas Tree Cupcakes.
• Grinch Popcorn.
• Grinch Punch.
• Easy Grinch Cookies.
• Snowball Cookies
• Instant Pot Mulled Wine.
• Or see these Easy Christmas Cookies.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 6 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

Thank you for reading my shortbread Christmas cookies recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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