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
Scale
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.
