Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

If you’re dreaming of the perfect festive treat to bring joy to your holiday gatherings, look no further than this Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe. These cookies are a delightful blend of buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, topped off with cheerful sprinkles that add a pop of color and fun. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these timeless cookies capture the spirit of the season with every bite. They’re simple to make, wonderfully crisp, and have just the right amount of sweetness to become your new holiday favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s both tender and flavorful. Each component plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and taste that shortbread is known for.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich, creamy flavor and tender crumb to the cookies.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and smooth consistency when creamed with butter.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and the classic shortbread texture.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Christmas sprinkles: Brings festive color and a playful crunch to the cookies, making them visually irresistible.

How to Make Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Before you dive into mixing, get your oven warming up to 325°F (165°C). A properly preheated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly, developing that perfect light golden hue without over-browning.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This crucial step creates the base of your dough’s tender texture, so take your time to achieve a smooth, creamy blend.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Slowly mix the all-purpose flour and salt into your butter and sugar mixture. Be gentle to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough. As the flour blends in, your dough will start to come together, soft but firm enough to roll.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Cut Shapes

Dust your workspace with a little flour and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Choose your favorite festive cookie cutters to create shapes, whether classic stars, trees, or something whimsical. Once cut, gently press Christmas sprinkles on top to give each cookie a joyful splash of holiday spirit.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Set

Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for cookies that are just set, with a hint of golden color around the edges. This subtle coloring keeps them tender and buttery.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Enjoying

Cooling on a wire rack is key to letting these Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe reach their ideal texture. Once completely cool, they’ll be firm but melt-in-your-mouth soft when bitten into.

How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

While the sprinkles themselves are an adorable garnish, feel free to dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving for an extra wintery touch. Fresh rosemary or edible glitter can also add a classy holiday sparkle if you want to get a bit fancy.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a creamy latte. They are also perfect alongside a holiday cheese platter or a bowl of fresh fruit to contrast their buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Pack these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for charming gifts. Alternatively, arrange them in holiday-themed tins layered with parchment paper for an inviting and elegant cookie display on your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Christmas shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp for up to a week. Layering with parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps those lovely sprinkles intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough or baked cookies! Wrap shaped dough tightly to prevent freezer burn or freeze baked cookies in airtight containers. When you’re ready, thaw refrigerated dough overnight or let frozen cookies come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Shortbread cookies don’t need much reheating, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–5 minutes. This refreshes their texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil in this recipe?

Butter is key for that rich flavor and crumbly texture in shortbread. Margarine or oil may change the taste and texture, often resulting in less authentic cookies, so it’s best to stick with real butter for this Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from melting or fading in the oven?

Press the sprinkles gently on the dough before baking, but avoid over-baking. Sprinkles can soften slightly but should retain their color if baked at the recommended temperature (325°F) and time.

Can I add flavors like vanilla or almond extract?

Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can elevate your shortbread’s flavor beautifully. Just add the extract when creaming the butter and sugar in Step 2.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary in texture.

What’s the best way to keep these cookies fresh for gift-giving?

Store in airtight containers layered with parchment paper and consider adding a small packet of food-safe silica gel to help absorb moisture. This keeps the cookies crisp and sprinkles looking festive for days.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe—they bring warmth, festive joy, and a sense of tradition to the holidays. They’re simple enough to whip up on a busy day but impressive enough to wow your guests or delight your loved ones. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these cookies a try and savor the buttery goodness that perfectly complements the holiday season.

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