Celebrate the festive season with these delightful 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies, the epitome of holiday cheer in each buttery bite. This recipe is perfect for those who love the joy of holiday baking but appreciate simplicity and minimal ingredients. Whether you’re making a batch for a party, decorating with children, or sending out as homemade gifts, these cookies are sure to impress with their rich flavor and delicate texture.
Celebrate With Sweet Simplicity
These Christmas Shortbread Cookies require just a few basic ingredients to create a classic treat that everyone will love. The optional addition of colored sugar or edible glitter adds a festive sparkle that makes these cookies stand out on any holiday table.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Shortbread
- Cream Thoroughly: Ensure the butter and sugar are well-creamed to create a light and fluffy base for your dough. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Even Rolling: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking. A quarter-inch thickness is ideal for that classic shortbread bite.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft or warm, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling. This makes cutting out shapes easier and helps the cookies maintain their form while baking.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the oven as shortbread can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. Remove them as soon as the edges turn a light golden color.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking.
4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
- Serving: Makes about 24 cookies
- Equipment: Mixer, baking sheets, rolling pin, cookie cutters
These cookies are not only delicious but also a joyful addition to your holiday baking traditions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Colored sugar or edible glitter for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
- Decorate and Bake: Arrange cookies on the prepared sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Sweet Addition to Your Holiday
These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. Serve them at your next holiday gathering, or box them up beautifully for a thoughtful and tasty gift. Enjoy the process of creating these charming cookies that promise to spread holiday joy and sweetness wherever they go.
