If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the joy and warmth of the season, this Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe is an absolute must-try. These little squares of buttery goodness are sprinkled with festive colors and crowned with optional chocolate, making every bite a celebration on your palate. They’re simple to make yet feel indulgently special, wrapping up the essence of the holidays in a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping a few hidden just for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for these Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are wonderfully simple but essential to achieving that tender, crumbly texture and festive appearance. Each one brings something unique to the table, from rich buttery flavor to that subtle vanilla aroma, plus a touch of holiday sparkle.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened butter creates the rich, tender base that makes shortbread so irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and gives the dough a delicate, smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes that tie everything together.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy foundation that provides structure to your cookie bites.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup, plus extra for topping): A burst of festive color and crunch that instantly brings cheer.
- White or semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Perfect for dipping to add a luscious finish, making the cookie bites even more special.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This sets the stage for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, leading to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bites.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse your batter with that classic, comforting flavor that shortbread is known for.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so keep it gentle here!
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in your holiday sprinkles, which will give the cookie bites festive pops of color that brighten up each square.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper and smooth the top. Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to help the dough set up and make it easier to cut.
Step 7: Cut and Bake
Remove the dough from the fridge and cut it into 1-inch bite-sized squares. Transfer these neatly onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they bake perfectly. Pop them into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Chocolate Dip
Allow the cookie bites to cool completely on the baking sheet. For an extra indulgent touch, dip one corner of each cookie in melted white or semi-sweet chocolate and sprinkle with extra holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While the sprinkles add a festive flair, you can amp up the look by dusting the cookie bites lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzling some melted chocolate in delicate lines for a fancy touch. Even a tiny edible gold glitter can make your bites sparkle just like holiday lights.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites pair beautifully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, a mug of spiced tea, or even a glass of chilled eggnog. Their buttery texture and subtle sweetness complement the richness of these classic holiday beverages perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn your cookie bites from simple to spectacular. Try stacking them in a rustic wooden box lined with festive tissue paper or arrange them on a tiered holiday dessert tray. Wrapping a small stack tied with a red ribbon also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This way, their tender crumb and delicate flavor remain intact, so you can enjoy them even after the holidays.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these treats well in advance, freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookie bites without chocolate. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw before decorating or serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Shortbread cookie bites are perfect for enjoying at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes or briefly microwave them for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat to keep that crumbly texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can, but be mindful to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning.
What kind of sprinkles work best for this recipe?
Festive holiday sprinkles like red, green, and white shapes or nonpareils work beautifully. However, you can customize the colors any way you prefer to suit other celebrations or personal flair.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough helps the cookie bites hold their shape during baking and makes cutting easier. Skipping this step might result in spreading or misshapen bites.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
With a suitable gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, these cookies can be adapted easily. Just be sure to check your sprinkles and any additional ingredients are gluten-free too.
How long do these cookie bites last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites remain fresh for about one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe is such a joy to make and share, bringing a little sparkle and a whole lot of buttery deliciousness to your holiday table. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping gifts, or simply wanting a sweet festive treat, these cookie bites are a classic everyone will adore. Get mixing and start spreading the holiday cheer one bite at a time!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 15-20 minutes chilling
- Yield: 40–50 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites. These bite-sized treats feature buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread studded with festive holiday sprinkles and optionally dipped in creamy white or semi-sweet chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or a cozy winter snack.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup white or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, indicating proper aeration.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined to maintain a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Sprinkles: Fold the holiday sprinkles gently into the dough for bursts of color and festive cheer.
- Shape and Chill: Press the dough evenly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the surface with a spatula and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Cut Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and cut it into small, bite-sized squares approximately 1 inch each.
- Arrange for Baking: Transfer the cookie squares to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a delicate golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before handling to prevent breakage.
- Optional Chocolate Dip: If desired, melt the white or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dip one corner of each cooled cookie bite into the melted chocolate, then sprinkle with extra holiday sprinkles. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- Freeze undecorated cookie bites for up to 2 months to enjoy later; thaw completely before serving or decorating.
- Customize with red and green sprinkles for a classic festive look, or switch to other colors to suit different holidays throughout the year.
