If you’re searching for an irresistibly festive treat to brighten your holiday season, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe combines the buttery richness of traditional shortbread with the cheerful crunch and color of holiday sprinkles, creating bite-sized delights that feel like little bursts of joy in every mouthful. Perfectly tender, subtly sweet, and so easy to make, these cookie bites are destined to become a timeless staple at your Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as your own cozy indulgence with a cup of cocoa.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe plays a starring role, coming together simply but thoughtfully to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive look. These essentials are easy to find and combine to create something truly special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/230g): Softened butter is crucial for that tender, rich crumb that defines shortbread cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup/100g): Adds balanced sweetness and helps with the delicate crunch on the outside.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A touch of warm vanilla enhances the buttery flavor perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups/250g): This forms the base of the cookie dough, giving structure and that classic shortbread crumb.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Just enough to brighten the flavors and bring harmony to the sweetness.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): The festive reds, greens, and whites add color, crunch, and all the cheerful Christmas vibes.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This little prep step makes clean-up a breeze and helps your cookie bites come out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy – this is key for that tender texture. Next, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with delicate aroma and warmth. Slowly add your flour and salt, mixing until you get a soft dough. If it feels too crumbly or dry at first, knead gently with your hands until silky smooth.
Step 3: Add Sprinkles
Now for the fun part – gently folding in the holiday sprinkles. This is where your cookies get their charm and festive sparkle. Make sure the sprinkles are evenly distributed but avoid over-mixing to keep the dough tender.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls approximately the size of a marble, about half an inch across. If you want uniform bites, you can also roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes. Either way, these small pieces will bake evenly and be perfectly sized for popping into your mouth.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the dough pieces on your prepared baking sheet, spaced out so they don’t touch as they spread just slightly. Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the edges just start to turn a beautiful light golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and crumbly.
Step 6: Cool and Optional Decoration
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes – this helps them set without breaking apart. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle a few more holiday sprinkles on top. This step is optional but adds that wow factor!
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant snowy effect, while a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate brings a rich contrast. Fresh cranberries or a sprig of mint on the side create eye-catching accents that complement the holiday colors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair exquisitely with warm drinks like spiced cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or a classic cup of eggnog. They also balance well with a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses and dried fruits, adding a sweet touch to savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen branches or holiday-themed doilies. Present them in clear glass jars tied with ribbon for gifting, or stack them in layers separated by parchment paper inside a decorative tin for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The shortbread texture holds up beautifully and stays tender, so you can enjoy that freshly baked feel days later.
Freezing
Want to bake ahead for the holidays? These cookie bites freeze well either before or after baking. Wrap dough balls tightly or freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months, perfect for stress-free festive preparations.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, reheat your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or gently microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes their soft and crumbly texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter varies in salt content. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor balance.
How do I make my cookie bites keep their shape?
Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before shaping can help prevent spreading. Also, avoid overmixing once the flour is added to maintain the delicate texture and shape.
Can these cookie bites be decorated with other toppings?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, colored sugar, or even dip them in chocolate for extra flair. Just be mindful not to overwhelm the delicate shortbread texture.
Will these cookie bites be gluten-free if I use gluten-free flour?
You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Choose blends suitable for baking with xanthan gum included for best outcomes.
How do I make the sprinkles stay colorful and not bleed during baking?
Gently fold in the sprinkles at the end of dough preparation and avoid overmixing. Baking at the correct temperature (350°F) helps keep colors vibrant without melting them too much.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe; it’s a joyous little bite of buttery bliss speckled with holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to fill your home with festive aromas, these cookies capture the spirit of the season in every crumb. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some sweet holiday magic!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 60 servings 1x
Description
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are buttery, tender, and festive, perfect for holiday parties or gifting. Infused with vanilla and studded with colorful holiday sprinkles, these bite-sized cookies bake quickly to a delicate golden edge, making them an irresistible seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix-Ins
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and cohesive.
- Add Sprinkles: Fold the holiday sprinkles gently into the dough making sure they are evenly distributed throughout without overmixing.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls roughly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter, about the size of a marble. Alternatively, shape the dough into a log and slice into uniform cubes for a more consistent size and shape.
- Bake: Place the cookie dough balls or cubes onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Optional Decoration: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened (not melted) for the best creaming results.
- Do not overbake; shortbread cookies can quickly become dry.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will maintain freshness for up to a week.
- For uniform cookies, rolling the dough into a log and slicing is recommended.
- Adding the white chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a lovely festive appearance and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
