Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Shortbread is a classic holiday treat that’s simple, buttery, and absolutely delicious. These tender cookies have a light, crumbly texture that practically melts in your mouth. Decorate them with festive sprinkles, or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea—either way, they’re sure to bring the holiday cheer to your table.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles (Optional)
If desired, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the shortbread cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The cookies should remain pale in color.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a light, fluffy texture.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps give these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t skip it!
- Decorating: You can add colored sugar, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate drizzle to make these cookies extra festive.
Variations
1. Chocolate Dipped Shortbread
Once the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and let set on parchment paper.
2. Lemon Shortbread
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the buttery shortbread.
3. Spiced Shortbread
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
- With Hot Drinks: Serve these cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Gift Idea: Package these shortbread cookies in a decorative tin or gift box for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
- Holiday Dessert Tray: Arrange the shortbread cookies on a holiday dessert tray alongside other festive treats for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Shortbread Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Christmas Shortbread can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
How Do I Store Shortbread Cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their freshness, add a small piece of bread to the container to help keep the cookies soft.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Shortbread is the perfect holiday treat—simple, buttery, and full of festive cheer. Whether you enjoy them plain or decorated with sprinkles, these tender cookies will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your holiday gatherings. Try them out, and share the joy with friends and family!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out!
