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
Scale
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.
