If you’re dreaming of a sweet, buttery treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit, look no further than this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. These tiny delights combine the rich, crumbly texture of classic shortbread with cheerful holiday sprinkles, making them irresistible bite-sized morsels for sharing or gifting. They’re simple to make, wonderfully festive, and a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering, bringing joy and sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect balance of buttery richness, tender crumb, and festive flair in your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting that melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful taste.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a tender, rich cookie without extra saltiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie while helping to create the soft, delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the buttery flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the cookie bites to hold their shape.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Holiday sprinkles: Red, green, and white sprinkles bring festive color and a bit of crunch to every bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once creamy, stir in the fragrant vanilla extract for a warm, inviting flavor base.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients into Dough
Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and salt, folding gently until a soft dough comes together. If the dough feels stiff or dry, knead it softly with your hands to achieve a smooth, pliable consistency that’s easy to work with.
Step 4: Fold in the Holiday Sprinkles
Now for the fun part! Gently fold the red, green, and white sprinkles into your dough so they are evenly spread out. These colorful accents not only add an extra festive touch but also a slight crunch that complements the buttery shortbread perfectly.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small balls roughly the size of a marble (about 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm). Alternatively, if you prefer a uniform look, roll the dough into a log, chill briefly, and slice into cubes. Both options yield charming little bites that are perfect for snacking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your cookie balls or cubes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each to allow gentle spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching closely so the edges turn a delicate golden hue without overbaking—this is where that melt-in-your-mouth magic happens.
Step 7: Cool and Add Festive Flare
After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For an extra-special festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle additional holiday decorations on top. This step takes these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe treats over the top into pure holiday bliss.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, additional holiday sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar make these cookie bites pop visually and add a delicate sweetness. A drizzle of colored icing or white chocolate enhances both appearance and flavor, making them perfect for gifting or dessert platters.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bites with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot chocolate, or fresh coffee for a cozy treat. They also complement cheese boards remarkably well, offering a sweet balance to savory and rich flavors during your festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe on festive plates or tiered trays for an eye-catching dessert table. Wrapping a batch in cellophane tied with ribbon makes a thoughtful handmade gift, while packing them in small mason jars or holiday tins adds charm and anticipation to any gift exchange.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, maintaining that buttery softness and festive crunch throughout the days.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie bites either baked or as dough logs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies or dough can last up to three months, so you can prepare these delightful treats well ahead of holiday festivities.
Reheating
While these cookie bites are lovely at room temperature, a quick 5 to 7 seconds in the microwave can warm them slightly and revive their softness. Avoid overheating to prevent losing the delicate texture that makes this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.
What if I don’t have holiday sprinkles?
You can substitute with plain sugar sprinkles, colored sugar, or even finely chopped nuts. The sprinkles add color and crunch, but other add-ins work well too.
Can these cookie bites be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure your sprinkles are dairy-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.
How thick should the cookie dough logs be if slicing?
About 1 inch in diameter creates bite-sized pieces that bake evenly. Slice into 1/2-inch thick cubes for the best result.
Can I add flavors like almond or peppermint?
Yes! Replace the vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist that complements the buttery shortbread beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the simplicity and charm of these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them during the holidays, or sneaking a few for yourself, these little bites deliver big on flavor and festive cheer. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and dive into some holiday baking magic—you won’t regret it!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 60-70 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are perfect festive treats featuring a buttery, tender texture and a delightful crunch from holiday sprinkles. Easy to make and ideal for holiday parties, they bring a classic sweet flavor with a sprinkle of festive cheer in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and pliable.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding festive color and texture.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble (1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter). Alternatively, you can roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes for consistent shapes.
- Bake: Arrange the cookie balls or cubes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but tender inside.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For extra holiday flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional holiday sprinkles.
Notes
- For uniform cookie shapes, rolling the dough into a log and slicing is recommended.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: Use white chocolate drizzle and extra sprinkles for garnish after cookies have cooled.
