Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

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🎄 Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

Description

Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with simple pantry ingredients. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday cookie platters, gift boxes, and festive gatherings. With their delicate crumb and rich flavor, they can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with chocolate, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for a classic Christmas touch.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings (Festive Add-Ons):

  • Melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white)

  • Holiday sprinkles

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

  • Crushed candy canes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Cream Butter & Sugar:
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add Vanilla:
    Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

  5. Shape the Bites:
    Roll dough into small 1-inch balls and place them 1½ inches apart on the baking sheet.

  6. Bake:
    Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden (tops should remain pale).

  7. Cool & Decorate:
    Allow cookies to cool completely before adding chocolate, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.

⭐ Recipe Notes

  • Shortbread should stay light in color—overbaking will make it dry.

  • Dough can be chilled for 20 minutes if too soft.

  • Butter quality matters—use real butter for best flavor.

💡 Tips for Perfect Shortbread Bites

  • Use room-temperature butter, not melted.

  • Do not overmix once flour is added.

  • For extra richness, substitute ¼ cup flour with cornstarch.

  • Dip only half the cookie in chocolate for a professional look.

  • Store toppings separately if gifting.

🍪 Servings

  • Makes: Approximately 30–36 cookie bites

  • Serving Size: 2 cookie bites

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 160 kcal

  • Fat: 10 g

  • Saturated Fat: 6 g

  • Carbohydrates: 16 g

  • Sugar: 4 g

  • Protein: 2 g

  • Sodium: 40 mg

(Values may vary based on toppings and portion size.)

🌟 Benefits

  • Made with simple, clean ingredients

  • No eggs – great for those with egg allergies

  • Easy to customize for dietary preferences

  • Perfect for make-ahead holiday baking

  • Freezer-friendly dough and baked cookies

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

Q: Can I freeze baked shortbread bites?
A: Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: The butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough before baking.

Q: Can I flavor the dough?
A: Yes! Try almond extract, orange zest, or cinnamon for festive variations.

Q: Are these good for gifting?
A: Perfect for cookie tins, holiday boxes, and edible gifts.

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