Jolly Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe for Festive Joy

Sweet christmas shortbread cookie bites can transport you straight to childhood memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Festive aromas waft through cozy spaces, promising delightful moments of pure comfort.

Buttery, crumbly textures melt on your tongue with delicate whispers of nostalgia.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect balance of seasonal joy.

Delicate spices dance gently within each miniature treat, inviting warmth and celebration.

Simple ingredients come together like a magical winter symphony.

Bake these little wonders and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Why Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Are So Festive

• Celebrate Festive Spirit: Dive into a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of seasonal cheer with colorful sprinkles and crushed candy canes.
• Master Simple Baking: Create professional-looking shortbread bites with minimal baking skills, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Quick Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a batch of these bite-sized cookies that will wow friends and family during gatherings, potlucks, and festive celebrations.
• No-Stress Dessert Option: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires basic ingredients and simple techniques, making it stress-free and enjoyable to prepare.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides rich flavor and tender texture to the shortbread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet depth to enhance the overall taste of the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and foundation for the shortbread bites.
• Powdered Sugar: Contributes to the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.
• Salt: Balances and highlights the sweet flavors in the shortbread.

• Red Sprinkles, Green Sprinkles, Crushed Candy Canes: Bring a colorful, holiday-inspired visual appeal and festive crunch to the shortbread bites.

How To Make Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for perfectly crisp shortbread bites.

Step 2: Whip The Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until it becomes creamy and light, then blend in the vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a smooth and airy dry mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough emerges.

Step 5: Add Festive Touches

• Red sprinkles
• Green sprinkles
• Crushed candy canes

Distribute evenly throughout the dough for a holiday-inspired look.

Step 6: Knead The Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead to ensure all mix-ins are perfectly integrated.

Step 7: Shape And Chill

Roll the dough into a compact log about 2 inches wide, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to help it firm up.

Step 8: Slice The Cookies

Remove the chilled dough and cut into bite-sized rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick, maintaining consistent sizing.

Step 9: Prepare For Baking

Arrange the shortbread bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.

Step 10: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating they’re ready to enjoy.

Step 11: Cool And Set

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, allowing them to develop a delightful crisp texture.

Top Tips For Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the log for at least 15 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain the shortbread's delicate shape during baking.
• Evenly Distribute Mix-Ins: Gently fold sprinkles and candy canes throughout the dough to ensure a consistent festive look in every bite.
• Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Watch the edges closely; golden brown indicates perfect doneness without overcooking the delicate shortbread.
• Use Parchment Paper Trick: Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the shortbread bites.
• Create Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife to cut consistent 1/2-inch thick rounds for even baking and professional-looking results.

Creative Ideas For Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Gluten-Free Holiday Shortbread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same buttery texture and festive spirit.
• Vegan Candy Cane Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, using plant-based sprinkles and dairy-free candy canes to create a compassionate treat.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Bites: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing calories while keeping the traditional shortbread crunch and holiday charm.
• Chocolate Peppermint Option: Mix in cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, replacing some of the flour with cocoa for a rich, decadent chocolate-peppermint shortbread experience.

What To Pair With Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Savor Holiday Cheer with Perfect Pairings
• Brew Rich Hot Cocoa: Complement the sweet and minty shortbread bites with a creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, creating a warming winter indulgence that highlights the cookies' festive flavor profile.
• Match with Peppermint Tea: Enhance the candy cane notes by serving a steaming cup of peppermint tea, which echoes the shortbread's minty undertones and provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the buttery treat.
• Create Festive Beverage Bar: Set up a holiday drink station featuring both hot cocoa and peppermint tea, allowing guests to choose their preferred accompaniment and adding an interactive element to dessert time.

Store Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Properly

• Store cooled shortbread bites in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days, maintaining their crisp texture and festive flavor.
• Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicate crunch and holiday spirit. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Enjoy within 3-4 days at room temperature, ensuring maximum freshness and delightful texture.
• Warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore crisp edges.

FAQs For Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the shortbread from becoming too salty.

• How fine should I crush the candy canes?

Crush them into small, fine pieces about the size of sprinkles to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks in the shortbread.

• Are these shortbread bites suitable for people with nut allergies?

This recipe doesn’t contain nuts, but always double-check your specific ingredients to ensure they are nut-free and processed in a nut-free facility.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before slicing and baking.

Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas shortbread cookie bites bring holiday cheer with their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sprinkled with colorful sugar and infused with peppermint, these miniature treats will delight your senses and spread seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Festive Mix-ins:

• 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, even surface for your festive shortbread bites.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy, incorporating the vanilla extract to enhance the rich, buttery flavor.
3. Sift together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a separate bowl, creating a light and uniform dry mixture.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, gently combining until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
5. Carefully incorporate the red and green sprinkles and crushed candy canes, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to create a vibrant, festive appearance.
6. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead to ensure the mix-ins are well integrated.
7. Roll the dough into a compact log, approximately 2 inches in diameter, and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
8. Remove the chilled dough and slice into bite-sized rounds, each about 1/2 inch thick, ensuring uniform sizing for consistent baking.
9. Arrange the shortbread bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each piece to allow for minimal spreading.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, signaling their perfect doneness.
11. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack, letting them set and develop their signature crisp texture.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the shortbread’s delicate shape during baking.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients, ensuring a more uniform texture.
• Crush candy canes finely to distribute color and flavor evenly throughout the shortbread, creating a balanced festive bite.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cookie’s delicate crumb and texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg