4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

4-Ingredient Christmas Cookies , Shortbread cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings the festive spirit to life. These buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delights are a staple during Christmas, and this recipe simplifies the process with only four basic ingredients. Perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, these cookies are versatile enough to customize with festive decorations like sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or colored sugar. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, looking for a fun family activity, or creating edible gifts, these shortbread cookies will surely impress.

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Ingredients 4-Ingredient Christmas Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Optional for decoration):

Holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or melted chocolate.

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be pale and smooth.

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Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cookies. Stir until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing; stop once the dough forms a soft ball.

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Step 5: Roll and Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes, etc.) to cut out shapes. Gather and re-roll any scraps to maximize the dough.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the shaped cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. If decorating with sprinkles or colored sugar, add them now by gently pressing them onto the cookies.

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Step 7: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

For crisp, well-defined cookies, refrigerate the baking sheet with the dough shapes for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain the tender, buttery texture.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, you can add additional decorations like a drizzle of melted chocolate or icing.

Variation

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Lemon Shortbread: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Nutty Delight: Mix ½ cup finely chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for added crunch.

Cooking Note

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before rolling.
For even baking, bake cookies on the middle rack and rotate the tray halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a mug of hot cocoa or coffee for a comforting winter treat.
Wrap these cookies in festive cellophane bags or tins to gift to friends and family.
Pair them with a holiday dessert platter featuring fudge, truffles, and gingerbread cookies.

Tips

Use High-Quality Butter: The flavor of shortbread heavily depends on butter, so opt for high-quality, unsalted butter.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Experiment with Extracts: Swap vanilla for almond, peppermint, or coconut extract for different flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 120
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 3g

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain flavor balance.

Q: Why is my dough crumbly?
A: This usually happens if the butter wasn’t softened enough or if the flour wasn’t measured correctly. Try kneading the dough gently with your hands to bring it together.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling.

Q: How do I ensure my cookies are evenly baked?
A: Roll the dough to a uniform thickness and space the cookies evenly on the baking sheet.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe doubles well, but make sure to mix in batches to avoid overworking the dough.

Conclusion

These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a holiday must-have for their simplicity, deliciousness, and versatility. With just four pantry staples, you can create a batch of buttery cookies that bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking with family, decorating for a party, or gifting to loved ones, these cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. Gather your ingredients, get creative with decorations, and enjoy the magic of homemade Christmas treats! 🎄🍪

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