Indulge in the holiday spirit with our delightful Christmas shortbread cookie recipe. These buttery treats are perfect for festive gatherings and make for a memorable holiday gift. Follow our simple steps below to create mouth-watering Christmas shortbread cookies that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until they form a light and fluffy mixture.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. The dough should have a slightly crumbly texture.
- Enhance the flavour and texture of your cookies by adding optional ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Mix the dough well to distribute the additions evenly.
- On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough and knead it gently until it forms a smooth ball.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) using a rolling pin on the floured surface.
- Use festive cookie cutters to cut out the dough into various Christmas-themed shapes. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- For an added touch of charm, consider pricking the cookies with a fork or decorating them with colourful sprinkles or sugar.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to develop a golden brown colour.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. These delightful Christmas shortbread cookies can be enjoyed for several days.
Make this holiday season extra special with our irresistible Christmas shortbread cookies. Bake a batch, share the joy, and create lasting memories with these delectable treats.