Sweet Holiday Joy: Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe

Biting into a Christmas shortbread cookie that melts like winter magic on your tongue.

Festive flavors dance through these tiny, buttery morsels that sparkle with seasonal cheer.

Classic Scottish traditions inspire this delightful treat that brings warmth to cold December moments.

Delicate crumbs will transport you straight to cozy kitchen memories with grandma’s secret recipe.

Minimal ingredients create maximum happiness in these bite-sized delights that everyone adores.

Sweet memories emerge from each carefully crafted morsel, promising joy in every single crunch.

Join the celebration and make these irresistible little cookies that will become your new holiday tradition.

Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites FAQs

• What makes these shortbread cookie bites special for Christmas?

These bite-sized cookies are festive and fun, featuring holiday sprinkles that add a burst of color and celebration to your traditional shortbread recipe. They’re perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes holiday baking even easier and more convenient.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Keep the dough chilled and make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Roll the dough into small, compact balls and space them evenly on the baking sheet to maintain their shape.

• Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Yes! These shortbread bites are simple to prepare and kids will love helping roll the dough balls and adding sprinkles. It’s a great family baking activity during the holiday season.

Why Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Are So Cheerful

• Festive Flavor Burst: Holiday sprinkles transform these tiny shortbread bites into a celebration of Christmas cheer, adding colorful bursts of joy in every single bite.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: These cookies are super simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and just 10 minutes of baking time, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a fast festive treat.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Buttery, delicate shortbread crumbles softly on your tongue, creating a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels both elegant and comforting.
• Gift-Ready Delights: Easily packaged in decorative tins, these adorable cookie bites make charming homemade gifts that spread delicious holiday happiness to friends and family.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the shortbread cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives rich, buttery flavor and creates a tender crumb. Room temperature butter works best for smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the shortbread. Pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Brings festive color and fun texture to the cookies. Choose holiday-themed sprinkles for extra Christmas spirit.

Steps To Make Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Salt
• Holiday sprinkles

Blend the butter and sugar until smooth as silk. Splash in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Gently fold in flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Sprinkle in those festive holiday mix-ins, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape Adorable Cookie Bites

Roll the dough into tiny treasure balls – think marble-sized or about 1/2-inch wide. Arrange these little delights on your prepared baking sheets, giving them a bit of breathing room about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the sheets into the preheated oven. Watch as the edges turn a gorgeous golden hue in 8-10 minutes – this is your signal that cookie magic is happening!

Step 5: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes – they’re catching their breath after their oven adventure. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be devoured or packaged in festive tins as heartwarming gifts.

Pro Tip: These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night of Christmas movie watching!

Helpful Hints For Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without melting.
• Control Sprinkle Distribution: Use a light hand when adding holiday sprinkles, gently folding them to prevent color bleeding and ensure even spread throughout the dough.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stop mixing the dough as soon as ingredients combine to keep shortbread tender and prevent tough, dense cookies.
• Master Uniform Size: Use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to create consistent marble-sized cookie bites for even baking and professional appearance.
• Storage Secrets: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation without losing their delicate texture.

How To Store Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Properly

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 7 days in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Seal completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, keeping them fresh for 2-3 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, microwave individual cookies for 5-10 seconds or warm briefly in a 300F oven for 2-3 minutes.
• Gift Preservation: Package cookies in festive tins or cookie boxes with tight-fitting lids to preserve their crispness and prevent moisture from affecting their delightful shortbread texture.

Great Pairings With Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Pair with Festive Hot Cocoa: Complement these delightful shortbread bites with a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with marshmallows or whipped cream. The warm, velvety drink perfectly balances the buttery, crumbly texture of the cookies.
• Match with Peppermint Mocha: Elevate the holiday experience by serving these sprinkle-studded treats alongside a peppermint mocha. The cool mint and bold coffee notes create a delectable contrast with the sweet, tender shortbread.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: Create a cozy winter moment by pairing the cookies with a warmly spiced chai latte. The aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger harmonizes beautifully with the buttery, festive shortbread bites.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Eggnog: Indulge in a classic holiday combination by enjoying these cookies with a smooth, creamy vanilla bean eggnog. The rich, custardy drink enhances the delicate sweetness of the shortbread.

Ways To Mix Up Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites

• Chocolate Chip Holiday Gems: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, indulgent flavor that complements the sweet shortbread base.
• Peppermint Crunch Bites: Mix crushed candy canes into the dough and sprinkle extra on top for a festive, minty crunch that screams holiday cheer.
• Nutty Winter Nibbles: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or almonds into the dough for a subtle nutty texture and warm, toasty undertones.
• Citrus Sparkle Buttons: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough and use matching colored sprinkles to create a bright, zesty version of the classic shortbread cookie.

Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Christmas shortbread cookie bites sparkle with festive charm, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience of holiday magic. Crisp, buttery, and dusted with cheerful spirit, these bite-sized treats invite sweet celebration at your seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (40 g) holiday sprinkles

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Flavoring Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and arranging parchment paper on two baking sheets to ensure easy cookie removal and minimal sticking.
2. Create a smooth, creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture achieves a light, fluffy consistency.
3. Introduce vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until completely incorporated and releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the mixture, gently folding until the dough forms a cohesive texture without overworking the ingredients.
5. Carefully integrate holiday sprinkles throughout the dough, ensuring an even distribution for consistent color and festive appearance.
6. Craft miniature dough spheres approximately marble-sized, using gentle rolling motions to create uniform, bite-sized cookies.
7. Strategically place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately one inch of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading during baking.
8. Position the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly and prevent crumbling.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, letting them reach complete room temperature for optimal texture and serving readiness.
11. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container or package them in decorative tins for a charming holiday gift presentation.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before starting to ensure smooth, even mixing and perfect cookie texture.
• Use a cookie scoop or small melon baller for consistently sized cookie bites that bake evenly and look professionally uniform.
• Swap regular sprinkles with gluten-free or vegan sprinkles to accommodate dietary restrictions, making these festive treats accessible for everyone.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping if it feels too soft, which helps prevent spreading and maintains the compact bite-sized shape during baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 138
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 12 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg