Description
These Easter Shortbread Cookie Bites are buttery, tender, and lightly sweetened cookies perfect for spring celebrations. Decorated with colorful sprinkles, they are simple to make and enjoyable for all ages, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Decoration
- Colorful sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time your dough is ready for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the combined dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the butter and makes the dough easier to handle, preventing spreading during baking.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, signaling perfectly baked shortbread.
- Decorate: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles while they’re still warm so the decorations adhere well. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use softened butter (not melted) for best texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and maintain bite-sized shapes.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be lightly golden, not browned.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
