4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies
These classic shortbread cookies are tender, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With just four ingredients, they’re a quick and fuss-free option for holiday baking. Add a festive touch with sprinkles, sugar, or icing!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
Optional decorations:
- Festive sprinkles
- Colored sugar
- Chocolate drizzle or icing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the flour:
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in vanilla extract if using.
- Shape the cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls or flatten slightly for a more traditional shortbread shape. Alternatively, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and use festive cookie cutters to create shapes.
- Decorate (optional):
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or press sprinkles onto the tops of the cookies for a festive touch.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool and serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with chocolate drizzle or icing if desired.
Notes
- Make ahead: The dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 3 days before baking.
- Customization: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday spice twist, or mix in finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for variety.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/4-ingredient-christmas-shortbread-cookies/