Easy 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

The magic of holiday baking comes alive with these simple 4-ingredient christmas shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.

Crisp, buttery, and delightfully rich, these treats capture the essence of festive cheer.

Festive gatherings sparkle when you serve these delicate morsels straight from the oven.

Traditional Scottish baking techniques shine through in this incredibly easy recipe.

Each bite delivers a crumbly, sweet experience that connects you to generations of home bakers.

The minimal ingredients ensure anyone can create these classic cookies with confidence.

Dive into this delightful recipe and spread some holiday happiness with every delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients List For 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture; choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Delivers delicate sweetness and helps create a tender crumb; sift to remove any lumps for smooth mixing.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural element that gives cookies their classic shortbread consistency; use fresh, properly stored flour for optimal results.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to cookies; choose pure vanilla extract for most authentic taste.

• Colored Sugar, Sprinkles, Chocolate Drizzle, Icing: Festive embellishments that transform simple cookies into celebratory treats; select decorations that complement your holiday theme.

Baking Tools For 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining butter, sugar, and flour with plenty of mixing space.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Baking sheets: Flat surfaces for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Cookie cutters: Optional tool for creating festive holiday shapes.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly and crisp up after baking.
• Rolling pin: Useful for rolling out dough to desired thickness.
• Spatula: Helps transfer and handle delicate cookies.

How To Make 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Oven Warmup

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F. Grab some parchment paper and line two baking sheets, creating a perfect stage for delicious cookie magic.

• Butter Bliss

Grab a big mixing bowl and whip softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and dreamy. This is where the cookie happiness begins!

• Flour Power

Gently fold flour into your creamy butter mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, splash in some vanilla extract for an extra flavor punch.

• Cookie Shaping

Roll the dough into cute little balls or press them into classic shortbread shapes. Want something more playful? Break out those festive cookie cutters and create winter wonderland treats.

• Sparkling Touches

Sprinkle some colorful sugar or press adorable sprinkles onto cookie tops for that holiday cheer. Make each cookie a tiny celebration.

• Baking Adventure

Arrange cookies on prepared sheets, giving them some breathing room. Slide them into the oven and bake until edges turn a gentle golden color, around 10-12 minutes.

• Cooling Celebration

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Optional: drizzle with chocolate or add a festive icing for extra wow factor.

Extra Tips For 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Butter Brilliance: Use high-quality, room-temperature unsalted butter for the most delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cold butter won't cream properly, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Flour Power: Sift the flour before measuring to ensure light, tender cookies. Avoid overmixing the dough, which can make shortbread tough and dense.
• Holiday Flavor Boost: Experiment with flavor add-ins like finely chopped rosemary, orange zest, or crushed candy canes to give these classic cookies a festive twist.
• Special Diet Delight: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.

Serving 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Holiday Cookie Platter Magic: Arrange these delicate shortbread cookies on a festive ceramic platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and small candy canes for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Sweet Gifting Charm: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, creating adorable homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts that feel personal and warm.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot cocoa, mulled wine, or creamy eggnog to enhance the cookie experience and create a cozy Christmas moment that delights all senses.
• Festive Topping Twist: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies, then sprinkle crushed peppermint or festive colored sprinkles for an extra special Christmas touch that looks professionally decorated.

Storing 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Smart Cookie Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and crisp texture.
• Freezer Friendly Trick: Layer cookies between wax paper in a sealed container and freeze for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for quick holiday treats.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let dough soften slightly before rolling and cutting.
• Quick Moisture Control: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to maintain soft cookie texture and prevent them from becoming too dry or crisp.

Festive Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas shortbread cookies deliver sweet holiday cheer with minimal effort. Buttery, crumbly texture and simple preparation make these classic treats perfect for seasonal celebrations and sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Festive sprinkles (optional)
• Colored sugar (optional)
• Chocolate drizzle or icing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for cookie placement.
2. Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth, blending for 2-3 minutes to achieve optimal texture.
3. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour into the butter mixture, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced flavor. Mix until a soft, uniform dough develops, being careful not to overmix.
4. Cookie Shaping: Craft cookies by either rolling into 1-inch balls, gently flattening, or rolling to 1/4-inch thickness and using festive cookie cutters. Optional: Sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles on cookie surfaces for a festive touch.
5. Baking Process: Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as a doneness indicator.
6. Cooling and Finishing: Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. For an elegant finale, consider drizzling with chocolate or adding a light icing decoration.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, sitting at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve perfect creamy texture and smooth dough consistency.
• Gentle Flour Incorporation: Mix flour gently and minimally to prevent tough cookies, stopping just when the dough comes together to maintain the signature delicate shortbread crumb.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigerate dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges, especially when using intricate cookie cutters for festive designs.
• Customize with Confidence: Experiment with flavor variations like adding ground nuts, citrus zest, or swapping vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract to personalize the classic shortbread recipe while keeping the core technique intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg