These Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are a festive and delicious treat that is perfect for the holiday season. With their buttery flavor, delicate texture, and festive sprinkles, they are an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter. Simple to make and easy to enjoy, these cookie bites are sure to bring smiles to your family and guests.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Sprinkles for decoration

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract, making sure it’s fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined to form a soft dough.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Flatten each dough ball gently with a fork and sprinkle with your choice of festive sprinkles.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

Add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Flavorings: You can experiment with other extracts such as almond, hazelnut, or peppermint to create different flavors.
Glaze: After baking, drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a glossy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but you should omit or reduce the added salt to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance, refrigerate it for up to 2 days, and bake when ready.
Can I use a mixer instead of mixing by hand? Yes, a hand mixer or stand mixer will work well for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the dough.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then store in a zip-top bag or container.
Do these cookies need to be chilled before baking? No, these cookies don’t require chilling. However, if the dough is too soft to handle, chilling for 30 minutes can make it easier to work with.
Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour works best, you could try using whole wheat flour for a slightly denser cookie.
Can I decorate the cookies with frosting? Yes, you can top them with frosting after they have cooled for extra sweetness and decoration.
Why did my cookies spread too much? The dough may have been too soft or warm. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
Can I use other types of sprinkles? Yes, you can use any sprinkles you like—colored sugar, nonpareils, or holiday-themed sprinkles all work well.
What is the best way to flatten the cookies? A fork works best for creating the traditional crisscross pattern, but you can also use the bottom of a glass or your hands to flatten them.

Conclusion

These Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are a simple yet delightful addition to your holiday treats. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with festive sprinkles makes them a perfect cookie for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit.