4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and delicious treats! One of the simplest yet most beloved holiday cookies are shortbread cookies. Our 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe is perfect for those who want to bake a festive treat without spending hours in the kitchen. With just four simple ingredients, you can create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are a classic that never goes out of style. They’re a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday cookie trays, gift boxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — minimal ingredients and minimal prep time, without compromising on flavor. The subtle sweetness and buttery texture make these cookies ideal for spreading Christmas cheer.

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

To make this easy holiday cookie recipe, you’ll need:

1. Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of any good shortbread is high-quality, unsalted butter. It lends the cookies their rich and creamy texture.
2. Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): This adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the buttery flavor.
3. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The main ingredient that forms the cookie dough. Be sure to measure accurately for the best results.
4. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): The touch of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Optional decorations:

• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or small candies for festive flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is essential as it creates air pockets, resulting in a lighter texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The scent will immediately fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Stir on low speed until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 5: Roll Out and Shape the Dough

Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, Christmas trees, or circles. Don’t forget to gently transfer the cut-out shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn light golden brown. The centers should remain pale.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or small candies if desired.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Butter Quality Matters: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Don’t Overbake: Shortbread cookies can become dry if overbaked. Keep an eye on them, and take them out as soon as the edges turn golden.
• Make Them Your Own: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or peppermint extract to make your shortbread unique.

Storage Tips

Store your 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper.

Final Thoughts

These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of homemade goodness to their holiday season without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re baking for a party, giving them as gifts, or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious holiday treat!

Serving and Storage Tips for 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Serving Tips

• Presentation: Serve your shortbread cookies on a festive platter or in a decorative tin. Adding a few sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks can give your presentation a cozy, holiday feel.
• Pairings: These buttery cookies are perfect when paired with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, coffee, or a cup of tea. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their appearance and flavor.
• Serving Size: Shortbread cookies are rich and satisfying, so serving 2-3 per person is typically enough. If you’re offering them at a holiday gathering, consider cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces.

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: Store your cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to one week. To prevent them from becoming too dry, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze your cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Avoid Humidity: Keep your cookies in a cool, dry place. Moisture can cause them to lose their texture and become sticky or soggy.
• Shelf Life: While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, their buttery nature helps them retain their flavor over time when stored properly.

These simple serving and storage tips will help ensure that your 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies remain delightful for days to come, making your holiday celebrations even more special.

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? While you can use salted butter, it’s best to use unsalted butter for shortbread to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you do use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt (if any) to prevent the cookies from being too salty.

2. Can I add flavor variations to the cookies? Yes, you can customize your shortbread cookies! Add a touch of flavor with ingredients like almond extract, lemon zest, or a pinch of cinnamon. Just be sure not to overdo it, as the simplicity of the shortbread should still shine through.

3. How do I keep the cookie dough from being too sticky? If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to work with. You can also sprinkle a little flour on your work surface or rolling pin to prevent sticking.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before rolling out and cutting the cookies.

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