4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites: Simple, Buttery, and Festive
4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites: Simple, Buttery, and Festive
There’s something magical about the simplicity of Christmas Shortbread Cookies. With just a handful of ingredients, these bite-sized delights capture the essence of the holidays—warm, buttery, and sweet, yet light and delicate. 4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are not only easy to make, but they also bring the festive spirit into your kitchen, making them perfect for holiday baking marathons, cookie exchanges, or gifting to friends and family.
I remember the first batch I made during a snowy December morning. The buttery aroma of the shortbread baking in the oven instantly filled the house with nostalgia. As a child, shortbread always felt like a treat reserved for special occasions, and now, with just four simple ingredients, I could recreate that same magic in under 30 minutes. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these bites, paired with a light dusting of powdered sugar, immediately transported me to cozy holiday moments spent with loved ones, hot cocoa in hand, and festive music in the background.
The beauty of this recipe is how effortless yet impressive it is. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Each cookie bite is perfectly portioned, tender, and buttery, making them a delightful snack or dessert. Their simplicity allows the flavor of butter to shine, enhanced only slightly by the vanilla extract. With just a few steps, you’ll have festive cookies that look and taste like they took hours to make.
4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
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Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth.
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Roll the dough into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 130 kcal | Servings: 24 bites
Tips and Variations
The texture of these cookies can be adjusted depending on the butter you use. Cold butter will produce a slightly crumbly, traditional shortbread texture, while softened butter gives a softer, more tender cookie. Dusting extra powdered sugar over the cooled cookies creates a snowy, festive look, perfect for holiday presentation.
For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or orange zest into the dough. You can also dip the baked cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent twist. Even sprinkles or edible glitter can make them more festive and visually appealing for holiday platters.
Serving Suggestions
These bite-sized shortbread cookies are ideal for holiday cookie trays, festive dessert tables, or as stocking stuffers. They pair beautifully with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or a cup of coffee. Their small size also makes them perfect for sharing at office parties, family gatherings, or gifting to neighbors.
They’re not only delicious but also visually charming. Stack them in small clear jars, tie with ribbon, and give as a thoughtful handmade gift. The buttery flavor and delicate crumb of these cookies make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Storage and Freezing
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They maintain their buttery flavor and soft texture well. For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked dough balls: place them on a tray in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will remain tender and buttery.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, just reduce the added salt slightly or omit entirely to maintain the perfect balance of sweetness.
Q: Can I make flavored shortbread bites?
A: Absolutely. Add a teaspoon of orange zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or a few drops of almond extract to the dough for a seasonal twist.
Q: Can these cookies be decorated?
A: Yes! After baking and cooling, you can drizzle with chocolate, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or use festive sprinkles for decoration.
