Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe

If you want to bring effortless holiday cheer to your dessert table, look no further than these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites. Picture buttery morsels of bliss, flecked with colorful sprinkles and packed with classic shortbread flavor—each tiny bite melts in your mouth, and they’re almost too cute to eat! Quick to whip up, irresistible to nibble, and bursting with festive spirit, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite for Christmas gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, one batch is never enough!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry staples come together to make magic with these holiday treats. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, contributing to the unforgettable texture and taste of these cookie bites.

• Unsalted Butter: The heart and soul of all good shortbread, this gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For a fine, soft sweetness plus that delicate crumb we love in sugar cookies, powdered sugar is key.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a subtle warmth—don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the bites, keeping them tender but sturdy enough to pick up.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Not only do they add irresistible festivity and pops of color, but they deliver tiny bursts of crunch with every bite.

How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and helps your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites bake evenly and release cleanly. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and creamy. This step creates the soft, tender texture we all crave in every bite. Don’t rush it—the more air you incorporate here, the better!

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract, making sure it’s fully incorporated. That hint of vanilla is essential for the perfect, cozy holiday aroma that wafts through your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Flour and Salt

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix gently until a soft, workable dough forms. Take care not to overmix; you want your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites to stay tender and delicate.

Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold the holiday sprinkles into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Watching the colorful bits swirl into the dough is half the fun—this is a great step for little helpers!

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Bites

Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll them into tiny balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart. Give them a gentle press with your finger or the back of a spoon—just enough to slightly flatten them.

Step 7: Bake

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—you want them buttery and soft, not crisp.

Step 8: Cool

Let the bites cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you wish, dip the cooled bites in melted white chocolate and top with a few extra sprinkles for maximum holiday magic!

How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, dip each cooled bite halfway in melted white chocolate and shower on even more festive sprinkles. The glossy coating not only looks dazzling but adds rich, creamy contrast to the crumbly cookie.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookie bites alongside mugs of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or mulled wine for the coziest treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a plate of fresh fruit at your holiday dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill clear gift bags or festive tins with these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites and tie them with a bright ribbon—perfect as homemade holiday gifts. For a playful twist, thread the bites onto skewers for cookie “kabobs” or create a snackable centerpiece by piling them into a big glass jar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These beauties store like a dream! Tuck your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites into an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh, buttery, and delightful for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead for holiday parties or last-minute cravings, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep their magic for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While these bites are delicious straight from the container, you can restore a fresh-from-the-oven feel by warming them for 1–2 minutes in a low oven (around 275°F). This revives their buttery aroma and makes them extra irresistible.

FAQs

Do I have to use holiday sprinkles, or can I substitute something else?

Holiday sprinkles add festive color and crunch, but you can absolutely swap in mini chocolate chips, chopped candied fruit, or colored sanding sugar if you prefer. Get creative to match your holiday theme!

Can I make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The results are still perfectly buttery and festive.

Why are my cookie bites spreading too much?

If your cookie bites spread, it’s likely the butter was a bit too warm or the dough was overmixed. Try chilling the shaped dough balls on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before baking next time.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Swap in a dairy-free butter substitute and make sure your sprinkles are vegan-friendly. The flavor and texture will be a little different, but still absolutely delicious!

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You can mix and shape the dough balls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply pop them onto your baking sheet and bake as directed when ready.

Final Thoughts

The magic of holiday baking is all about creating joyful memories and sharing delicious moments, and these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites guarantee both. Whether you gift them, serve them at gatherings, or simply enjoy them with a cozy drink, they’re sure to bring smiles and spark holiday spirit. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making a second batch before you know it!

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