Jolly Festive Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe for Holiday Joy

Decadent holiday gatherings call for these irresistible Christmas shortbread cookie bites that melt in your mouth.

Buttery, delicate shortbread infused with seasonal warmth brings pure joy to every festive moment.

The classic Scottish treat blends rich butter and delicate sugar into small, perfectly crafted morsels.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness that captures winter’s magic.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies a delectable addition to any holiday spread.

Dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate, these little treasures promise to become your new favorite Christmas tradition.

You’ll want to bake a double batch—trust me, they disappear quickly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create tender texture; choose unsalted butter for better control of salt content.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness; sifted sugar ensures smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth; use pure vanilla for most authentic flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender cookie structure; look for unbleached flour for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Holiday Sprinkles: Brings colorful, celebratory visual appeal; select festive colors that complement Christmas theme; ensure sprinkles are fresh and vibrant.

Tools to Bake Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Easily

• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Essential for beating butter and sugar to creamy consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, sugar, and vanilla.
• Baking Sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Small Scoop or Spoon: Perfect for creating uniform marble-sized cookie balls.
• Spatula: Helps fold sprinkles into dough and scrape mixture from bowl.

Steps to Create Shortbread Cookie Bites for the Season

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Create the Dough

Whip softened butter and powdered sugar into a dreamy, silky mixture. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor. Gently mix flour and salt until the dough comes together. Sprinkle in holiday sparkles, mixing them evenly throughout.

• Shape Your Festive Treats

Roll tiny dough balls, each about the size of a marble. Arrange them on the baking sheets, giving each little bite some breathing room.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

• Cool and Share the Joy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a quick 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and let them chill completely. Pack these delightful morsels in a festive container or gift tin to spread some holiday cheer.

Tips to Customize Your Holiday Shortbread Bites

• Mix in crushed candy canes or orange zest to the dough for a holiday twist.
• Prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and making baking day easier.
• Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac-friendly treats.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and ensure compact, neat cookie bites.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate or dust with extra holiday sprinkles after cooling for a stunning presentation.

Presenting Shortbread Cookie Bites as Festive Treats

• Cookie Platter Paradise: Arrange these festive bites on a colorful holiday platter with pine sprigs and candy canes for a stunning Christmas presentation.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap batches in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, perfect for homemade gifts to neighbors, teachers, or party hosts.
• Dessert Companion Delight: Serve alongside hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or coffee for a delightful winter treat that enhances the cozy seasonal mood.
• Frosting Fun Station: Create a decorating area with small bowls of colored royal icing and sprinkles, letting kids or guests personalize their cookie bites with festive designs.

How to Keep Shortbread Cookie Bites Fresh

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, lasting up to 5-7 days.
• Wrap cookie bites individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months – perfect for make-ahead holiday treats.
• Stack cookies between parchment paper layers inside festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for charming homemade gifts.
• Protect sprinkled shortbread from direct sunlight and humidity, which can cause color bleeding and soften the delicate texture.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.

• How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?

Use high-quality, gel-based holiday sprinkles and fold them gently into the dough. Avoid liquid food coloring, which can cause color bleeding and affect the cookie texture.

• Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?

This typically happens if the butter is too soft or warm. Ensure butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and chill the formed dough balls for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.

• Can I use alternative flour for this recipe?

While the recipe works best with all-purpose flour, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a similar texture. Just be sure to use a blend that has xanthan gum included for better binding.

Festive Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Rich Christmas shortbread cookie bites bring festive cheer with buttery, melt-in-mouth texture. Crisp edges and delicate crumble make these tiny treats perfect for holiday celebrations you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (40 g) holiday sprinkles
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position oven rack in center and preheat to 350°F (175°C), lining baking sheets with parchment paper for seamless cookie creation.
2. Dough Foundation: Cream butter and powdered sugar until achieving a silky, pale mixture that serves as the quintessential shortbread base, blending thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce vanilla extract, stirring carefully to distribute the aromatic essence uniformly throughout the developing dough.
4. Texture Development: Fold in flour and salt, gently combining ingredients until a cohesive dough forms without overworking, which could compromise the delicate shortbread consistency.
5. Festive Incorporation: Delicately mix holiday sprinkles throughout the dough, ensuring colorful specks are evenly distributed for a celebratory appearance.
6. Shaping Process: Craft compact marble-sized spheres by rolling dough between palms, creating uniform bite-sized cookies that promise consistent baking.
7. Baking Technique: Arrange cookie balls on prepared sheets with minimal spacing, then bake for 8-10 minutes until edges transform to a subtle golden tone, signaling perfect doneness.
8. Cooling Method: Rest cookies on baking sheet for five minutes to stabilize structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, allowing them to achieve an ideal crisp texture.
9. Preservation: Carefully store the finished shortbread bites in an airtight container or festive packaging, preserving their delicate crumb and creating delightful holiday gifts.

Notes

Temperature Control: Maintain precise 350°F oven temperature to prevent over-browning and ensure delicate, uniform cookie texture.

Butter Preparation: Use room-temperature butter for smoother creaming, which creates lighter, more tender shortbread without dense consistency.

Handling Dough: Minimize hand contact when forming balls to keep butter cool and prevent tough cookies; roll quickly and gently with light touch.

Sprinkle Distribution: Fold holiday sprinkles gently at end of mixing to prevent color bleeding and maintain vibrant, distinct festive appearance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 134
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 14 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg