There is nothing quite like the comforting, buttery melt-in-your-mouth delight of a classic Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe to fill your home with warmth and holiday cheer. These bite-sized treats are perfectly crisp with a tender crumb, festive sprinkles throughout, and just the right amount of sweetness to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gifting neighbors, or simply craving a cozy seasonal snack, these shortbread sugar cookie bites promise a burst of holiday magic in every nibble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that signature soft texture, rich flavor, and cheerful color. Fresh, quality ingredients will truly elevate the final cookies, making the baking experience and the taste all the more delightful.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The heart of the recipe providing rich flavor and tender crumb.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the cookie’s delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes that complement the buttery dough perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and that classic shortbread crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the cookie’s overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles: Adds festive color and a fun crunch throughout every bite.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling, optional): Creates a sparkling, slightly crunchy exterior if you want that extra holiday shimmer.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily, so you get perfect bites every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—creaming introduces air, making your cookies light while locking in the rich buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle, warm hint of sweetness that turns simple cookies into irresistible treats.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix the all-purpose flour and salt together, then gradually add them to your butter mixture. Stir until the dough just comes together—overmixing can affect that tender texture we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles so their colors remain vibrant and evenly distributed throughout the dough without melting away.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls. Optionally, roll each ball in granulated sugar to give your cookies an eye-catching sparkle and a light crunch on the outside.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookie balls about one inch apart on the parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly golden but the tops stay pale—this delicate balance is key to that classic shortbread flavor and texture.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling fully helps them set perfectly so each bite melts in your mouth with ease.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These cookie bites are festive on their own, but you can elevate their charm by dusting with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Freshly grated orange zest can also add a wonderful aroma and a hint of tangy brightness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these shortbread bites with hot beverages like spiced chai, peppermint hot chocolate, or your favorite holiday coffee creates a cozy snack time experience. They also go beautifully alongside creamy eggnog or a simple cup of warm milk for all ages.
Creative Ways to Present
Arranging your cookie bites on a festive platter surrounded by pine sprigs, cranberries, or mini ornaments will make your dessert table pop with holiday spirit. For gifting, wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or layer them in a decorative tin for a charming homemade present perfect for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay tender and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect to prepare ahead of time for holiday parties or last-minute treats.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies well beyond the holiday season, you can freeze the baked cookie bites in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for a delightful bite of buttery goodness.
Reheating
For that freshly baked warm cookie experience, pop your cookie bites in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This warming step revives their tender texture and the sprinkle sparkle, making each bite feel as special as the first.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid your cookies becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning, which is why it’s preferred here.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
For the best festive look and flavor, use red, green, and white holiday-themed sprinkles that won’t melt during baking to keep the color vibrant and the texture fun.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually enhance the flavor and texture of your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
What makes these cookie bites different from regular sugar cookies?
While both are sweet and delicious, these cookie bites feature a higher butter content and a fine powdered sugar base contributing to an ultra tender, crumbly texture characteristic of shortbread, plus the festive sprinkle inclusion for a holiday twist.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is like crafting little bites of festive happiness that everyone will adore. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the joyful sprinkles and buttery, tender crumb, truly makes these cookies stand out as a holiday favorite. So, don your apron, entice your senses with that vanilla-scented dough, and share these delightful treats to create warm, memorable moments with your loved ones this season.
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. These buttery, tender cookies are infused with vanilla and colorful holiday sprinkles, rolled into bite-sized balls, and baked to a delicate golden finish on the bottom while remaining pale and soft on top.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Finishing
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for rolling)
- Additional holiday sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the 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 unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined. This step adds lightness to the dough.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely flavor base to the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring or mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough until they are evenly distributed, creating festive colorful bursts within each cookie bite.
- Form Cookie Bites: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, roll each ball in granulated sugar to add sparkle and a slight crunch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely so that the bottoms turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale and soft.
- Cool: Let the baked cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Use red, green, and white sprinkles for a festive holiday appearance.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Freeze cookies for up to two months, making them perfect for preparing ahead of holiday events.
- These bite-sized cookies make wonderful gifts or party treats during the holiday season.
