If you have a soft spot for festive treats that bring a smile with every bite, you’re going to love this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. These little delights combine buttery shortbread richness with the joyful crunch and color of holiday sprinkles, making them the perfect bite-sized treat for gatherings, gift-giving, or just cozy afternoons by the fire. They’re simple to make yet impressively charming in both taste and appearance—ideal for spreading holiday cheer one delicious cookie bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of buttery flavor, tender crumb, and festive flair that makes these cookies so special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, 230g): Provides the rich, creamy base critical to classic shortbread texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250g): The foundation that holds everything together with just the right density.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Inject festive colors and a delightful crunch to brighten every bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking shortbread cookies—gentle enough to ensure they cook through without browning too aggressively. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookie bites from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step is crucial; it introduces air to the butter, helping your cookies stay light. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to your butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough starts to form. If the dough feels crumbly or dry, don’t hesitate to knead it gently by hand until it becomes smooth and pliable—the feel of the dough tells you when it’s ready.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles
This is where the Christmas magic begins! Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, mixing just enough to distribute them evenly without smushing their shape or color. These sprinkles are the colorful confetti that will make your cookie bites irresistibly festive.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Now, roll the dough into small, marble-sized balls (about 1/2 inch in diameter). For a more uniform look, you can roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes instead. Both methods work beautifully, so choose whichever feels fun to you.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your shaped dough pieces on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to take on a gentle golden hue. Keep an eye on them, as these cookie bites bake quickly and you don’t want them overdone.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate (Optional)
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to bring an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle a few more holiday sprinkles on top. This step turns every cookie bite into a little winter celebration.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze of vanilla icing can elevate your shortbread sugar cookie bites with extra sweetness and sparkle. Pair these garnishes with additional sprinkles or edible glitter to make your treats even more eye-catching.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like spiced hot chocolate, peppermint tea, or a classic cup of coffee. The buttery melt-in-your-mouth bite contrasts beautifully with the warmth and spice of seasonal beverages, creating a cozy treat time everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe on festive platters, nestled among pine sprigs and holly berries for a holiday vibe. You can also pack them into decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for delightful edible gifts that feel extra special to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, making them a convenient snack to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time or preserve extras, these cookie bites freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can keep for up to 2 months, ready to be enjoyed whenever the mood strikes.
Reheating
Shortbread sugar cookie bites don’t require reheating, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F, 150°C) for 3-5 minutes. This brings back the freshly baked warmth without sacrificing their delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter lets you control the exact amount of salt in the recipe for perfect balance.
Are these cookies suitable for making shapes with cookie cutters?
The dough is quite soft and crumbly, so it’s better suited for rolling into balls or slicing from a log. For cut-out cookies, a firmer dough recipe might work better.
Can I substitute the sprinkles with something else?
Absolutely! You can use mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even chopped nuts for different textures and flavors, but the festive sprinkles add the classic holiday look.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, shortbread sugar cookie bites stay fresh for about one week at room temperature, perfect for enjoying throughout the holidays.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware that texture may vary slightly. Experiment with blends made for baking to maintain the tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe enough—it’s a simple, joyful way to add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking with friends, treating your family, or gifting neighbors, these charming cookie bites bring warmth, cheer, and irresistible flavor to every moment. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear off the plate!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 60 cookie bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites, perfect for holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery, and bursting with colorful sprinkles, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and sure to brighten up any cookie platter.
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
Decoration
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
- Optional: melted white chocolate for drizzling
- Extra holiday sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and pliable.
- Add sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each cookie its festive look.
- 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). For uniform shapes, you can also roll the dough into a log and slice it into cubes.
- Bake: Place the dough balls or slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should be just lightly golden at the edges.
- Rolling into balls or slicing from a log are both great ways to form the cookies; choose based on your preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To make these gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
