If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines buttery richness, delicate crumb, and a fun burst of holiday cheer, this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is an absolute delight. These little bites are perfect for holiday parties, cozy family gatherings, or even as thoughtful homemade gifts. Each cookie melts in your mouth with a tender texture, enhanced by vibrant sprinkles that add just the right amount of holiday sparkle. Once you try this beloved recipe, it will quickly become a treasured tradition in your seasonal baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect flavor balance and texture. Each element plays an important role, from the creamy butter that gives richness to the dough, to the powdered sugar that keeps things tender and sweet.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture essential to shortbread.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the cookies light and delicate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, creating structure without toughness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery notes.
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles: Adds festive color and a playful crunch throughout the bites.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional for rolling): Gives the cookies a sparkling finish and subtle extra sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookie bites bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial—it incorporates air into the dough, which helps create that tender crumb so iconic in shortbread cookies.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, mix in the vanilla extract. This adds a subtle but lovely depth of flavor, rounding out the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Holiday Sprinkles
Gently fold the colorful holiday sprinkles into the dough. This step is where the magic happens—those festive pops of color throughout the dough make these cookie bites feel truly special and fun.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. For an extra sparkly and sweet finish, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it down. Make sure to space them about 1 inch apart to allow even baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for lightly golden bottoms while the tops remain pale. This balance ensures the cookies are fully baked without losing their tender texture. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle an extra dusting of powdered sugar or toss some additional sprinkles on top before serving for that festive wow factor. You can also drizzle a thin layer of white chocolate to add a creamy contrast and elevate the look.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced cider, hot cocoa, or even a peppermint-flavored latte. The buttery sweetness complements cozy beverages perfectly, making them ideal for holiday brunch or after-dinner treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe on a festive platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs or holly berries for an eye-catching centerpiece. Package them in holiday-themed tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as charming gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookie bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain perfectly tender and flavorful for up to one week, ready for whenever a holiday craving strikes.
Freezing
These cookie bites freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to two months without losing any of their delightful texture or vibrant sprinkles.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel. Be careful not to overheat, as these delicate bites can dry out quickly.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Unsalted butter allows for more precise control of the overall saltiness.
What kind of sprinkles work best for these cookie bites?
Small, nonpareil-type sprinkles in traditional Christmas colors like red, green, and white work best as they mix evenly into the dough and maintain their shape when baked.
Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For gluten-free options, substitute with a gluten-free baking blend, keeping in mind texture may vary slightly.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just make sure to mix ingredients thoroughly and bake in batches to maintain even cooking and spacing on the baking sheet.
How can I make these cookies more festive beyond sprinkles?
Consider adding a glaze with colored icing or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking. You can also press a small candy cane piece into each cookie before baking for an extra peppermint twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe that makes holiday moments even sweeter. With a perfectly tender crumb, a hint of vanilla, and a cheerful sprinkle of color, these cookies are destined to become a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share them with those you love—happy holidays and happy baking!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are festive, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Coated with holiday sprinkles and a touch of granulated sugar, these bite-sized cookies bring a delightful crunch and a sweet vanilla flavor, making them ideal for gifting or sharing at parties.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles (plus more for topping)
Optional Coating
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, creating a light and airy base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a rich, sweet aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together to avoid overworking.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles to evenly distribute colorful festive bits throughout the dough without melting or bleeding.
- Form Cookie Bites: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet for even cooking and shape retention.
- Optional Sugar Coating: For a sparkly finish, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms of the cookies turn lightly golden but the tops remain pale, ensuring a tender texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a more festive look, use red, green, and white sprinkles to decorate the cookie bites.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 1 week.
- You can freeze the cookie bites for up to 2 months to enjoy later.
- These cookie bites make wonderful holiday gifts or delightful party treats.
