Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies

Introduction

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and of course, delicious treats! One of the most beloved holiday snacks is the soft shortbread cookie. This recipe for Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies will bring warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your loved ones. With a buttery flavor and a delightful softness, these cookies are perfect for festive gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

These Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies are easy to make and truly enchanting. They capture the essence of the holiday season with their sweet taste and lovely decorations. This recipe allows you to create beautiful cookies that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Plus, decorating them can be a fun family activity that brings everyone together.

How to Make Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies

Making Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready to enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract
4 tablespoons milk
2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
4 tablespoons milk (for icing)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the icing. Add food coloring if desired.
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the icing on top and decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.

How to Serve Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies

Serve these delicious cookies on a festive platter as a sweet treat during holiday parties. They make a lovely addition to any dessert table. You can also pack them in holiday-themed boxes to give as gifts to family and friends.

How to Store Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week. If you’d like to store them for a longer time, keep them in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Tips to Make Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies

Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
Chill the dough if it’s too sticky to roll out easily.
Use different cookie cutters to create various shapes and designs—think Christmas trees, stars, or candy canes!

Variation

You can easily switch up the flavors in these cookies. Try adding citrus zest for a refreshing taste, or substitute different extracts like peppermint instead of almond for a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
You can use colorful icing and sprinkles to decorate the cookies. Using edible glitter or themed decorations can also make them stand out on your holiday table.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can either omit it or use an equal amount of vanilla extract for a pure vanilla flavor instead.

Enjoy making and sharing your Christmas Soft Shortbread Cookies this holiday season!