If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that delivers buttery richness with a playful crunch, you’ve got to try this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. These little bites are perfectly tender, lightly sweet, and sprinkled with colorful holiday joy, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any seasonal gathering. Whether you’re packing them into gift tins or nibbling alongside a warm cup of cocoa, this recipe is a joyous celebration of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive flavor. From creamy butter to vibrant sprinkles, every component is essential to bring this dessert to life.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 230g): The star of the show, providing a rich, creamy base and tender crumb that makes shortbread irresistibly soft.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup or 100g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overwhelming the buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall taste with its warm, aromatic notes, making each bite feel cozy and festive.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups or 250g): The foundation that shapes the dough and gives structure to these delightful little cookies.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens the buttery flavor.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Red, green, and white sprinkles add pops of cheerful color and a fun, festive crunch that makes these bites feel Christmas-ready.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and ready when your dough is formed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, so your cookie bites come out perfectly shaped and intact.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mix turns light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies an irresistible tender texture once baked. Then, add in the vanilla extract and give it a good stir to infuse that warm flavor throughout.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt to your creamed butter mixture. Stir gently until a soft, uniform dough forms. If it feels too dry or crumbly at first, don’t worry—use your hands to knead it a little until it comes together smoothly, which will ensure the perfect consistency for shaping.
Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
This is the fun part! Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed. These colorful bits sprinkle joy and that unmistakable festive vibe in every bite, so don’t be shy about mixing them throughout the dough well.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookie Bites
Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble (around 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter). If you prefer uniform shapes, you can roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes instead. This method gives you tidy, attractive bites that look just as delicious as they taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your dough balls or cubes on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving little spaces between each so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for just 8 to 10 minutes—the sweet spot for shortbread cookies that are lightly golden but still tender and buttery inside.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling a few more holiday sprinkles on top of the cookie bites right after baking while they’re still warm. Dusting with a light coating of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can also elevate the appearance and add a touch of elegance to these humble treats.
Side Dishes
These cookie bites pair beautifully with a variety of holiday drinks. A steaming mug of hot chocolate, spiced eggnog, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee complements their buttery sweetness perfectly. For party spreads, these bites are fantastic alongside cheese platters or alongside bowls of mixed nuts and fruit for a balanced array of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn these simple Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites into a showstopper. Line a festive plate with holly leaves or sprinkle edible glitter for sparkle. Wrap a dozen in cellophane tied with a bright red ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Or stack them into mini cookie towers layered with colorful frosting for a delightful holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cookie bites, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy holiday days when you want quick snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookie bites either before baking or after they’ve cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and, if frozen raw, bake as directed; this is a great option for preparing ahead of time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, warm your cookie bites in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll regain that delicate crumb and gentle melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor.
Are the cookie bites suitable for making in advance for parties?
Absolutely! These cookies hold up well for several days at room temperature and even longer when frozen, making them perfect for preparing ahead for holiday events.
Can I mix in other kinds of sprinkles?
Definitely! Feel free to use any holiday-themed sprinkles you like, or even chocolate chips for a twist. Just keep the total amount around 1/4 cup to maintain the right dough consistency.
What’s the best way to get the dough soft enough if it feels too dry?
Using your hands to gently knead the dough helps bring in warmth and moisture, softening the mixture and ensuring easier shaping without crumbling.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help with consistency.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe a whirl—it’s a simple yet joyful way to inject some sweetness and color into your holiday celebrations. These cookies are the kind of treat that makes people smile, whether you’re sharing with family, gifting to friends, or sneaking a few when no one’s watching! Happy baking and happiest holidays to you.
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 60 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites, perfect for holiday gatherings. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with colorful red, green, and white sprinkles, adding a joyful crunch and a sweet, vanilla-infused flavor. With a simple dough and quick baking time, they’re an easy and fun treat to prepare in advance or share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and cohesive.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough, distributing them evenly to add festive color and texture to each cookie bite.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a marble (approximately 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter). Alternatively, shape the dough into a log and slice into uniform cubes.
- Bake: Place the shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden but the centers remain pale for a tender crumb.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your festive shortbread cookie bites!
Notes
- For best results, use unsalted butter and ensure it is softened to room temperature before creaming.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain light in color for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- You can customize the sprinkles colors or omit them for plain shortbread bites.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For even baking, try to keep dough pieces uniform in size.
