why make this recipe
Xmas Shortbread Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them irresistible. These cookies are easy to make and can be a fun activity for the whole family. Plus, you can customize them with festive decorations like sprinkles and icing, making them a delightful treat for your holiday gatherings.
how to make Irresistible Xmas Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, sanding sugar, icing, chocolate chips for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prick the cookies with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate as desired with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing.
how to serve Irresistible Xmas Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and can be served with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a wonderful gift during the holidays or can be placed on a festive platter for guests to enjoy. You can also pack them in decorative boxes to share with friends and family.
how to store Irresistible Xmas Shortbread Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
tips to make Irresistible Xmas Shortbread Cookies
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This will help achieve that perfect texture.
- If you want to change the flavor, try adding a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla.
- For a fun twist, you can mix in some chocolate chips or nuts into the dough.
variation
For a chocolate version, you can replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder. This will give your cookies a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon to keep the balance of flavors.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
Q: How can I make these cookies more festive?
A: You can add food coloring to the icing or use holiday-themed cookie cutters for fun shapes to celebrate the season!
Irresistible Xmas Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prick the cookies with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate as desired with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or icing.