4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies 🎄 Easy & Delicious Holiday Treat!

Table of Contents: 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies

4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies

This December, skip the complicated and still shine at every cookie swap. These 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies are the secret to impressing family and neighbors—without stressing over your pantry. With just a few quality staples, you can bake soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like a holiday memory. Whether you’re crafting treats for a family dinner, gifting neighbors, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this recipe is your fast pass to festive joy.

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Introduction: Easy Christmas Biscuits That Delight Every Generation

There’s something magical about the holidays—carols in the background, twinkling lights, and the comforting scent of baking cookies filling the house. But let’s be honest: life gets busy, and not everyone has the time or energy to tackle intricate cookie recipes. That’s where these 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies come in. They’re the ultimate easy Christmas biscuits—simple, reliable, and full of that buttery, sweet holiday flavor we all crave. Made with just butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and flour, this recipe proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something unforgettable.

These cookies are the perfect example of simple holiday cookies done right. With minimal effort and just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have golden, tender rounds that hold their shape beautifully—ideal for decorating or enjoying plain. Whether you’re packing them for a cookie exchange, placing them on a holiday dessert table, or sharing them with kids after school, these minimal ingredient cookies deliver maximum joy. Best of all? They’re approachable for bakers of all levels, making them a go-to for easy comfort food for family dinners during the busiest time of year.

From cookie swaps to last-minute hostess gifts, these versatile treats fit every holiday occasion. Even if you’re not a “baker,” this recipe will make you feel like one.

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Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe under a few different names:

– No-Chill Butter Cookies
– Egg Yolk Christmas Cookies
– Shortbread-Style Holiday Cookies
– 30-Minute Holiday Bites
– Simple buttery round cookies

If you’re searching for easy 4-ingredient cookie recipes or want a festive alternative to dense gingerbread, this treat is a light, elegant option. For a seasonal twist, press in red and green sprinkles before baking, or use a festive cookie cutter shape. They’re also a fantastic base for minimal ingredient cookies with optional add-ins like lemon zest, almond extract, or a dusting of edible gold.

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Ingredients: Minimal Ingredient Cookies That Pack Maximum Flavor

Here’s everything you’ll need for these simple holiday cookies. Use high-quality ingredients for the best texture and flavor:

• – 1 stick (8 tbsp / 115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• (preferably European-style for rich flavor and smooth texture)
• – ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
• (for sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency)
• – 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• (adds richness and bind without extra liquid)
• – 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• (cake flour works too, for an even lighter crumb)
• – ¼ tsp salt
• (balances sweetness and enhances flavor)

Optional for festive flair: holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or a light glaze.

> Pro Tip: Room-temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother dough that’s easier to roll without cracking.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

2. Beat the soft butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute until creamy and smooth.

3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and salt, beating on low until incorporated. Increase to medium speed and whip for 1–2 minutes until fluffy and pale.

4. Add the egg yolk and mix on low until fully combined. Don’t overmix—just until the yellow streaks disappear.

5. Add the flour in two parts, mixing on low until the dough comes together. It will be soft but not sticky. If it feels dry, add one tiny splash of cream or milk (no more than ½ tsp); if too wet, add a little extra flour, 1 tsp at a time.

6. Use a small cookie scoop (1 oz / 2 tbsp) or tablespoon to portion 16 equal balls of dough. Roll lightly between your palms to smooth—this helps them bake evenly.

7. Place cookie balls about 1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If you like, flatten slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass for a classic look, or leave round for a domed shape.

8. Press in optional decorations like holiday sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch—do this before baking for best adhesion.

9. Bake one sheet at a time in the center rack for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. The centers should look set but still soft.

10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this allows them to firm up without breaking—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

> Chef Tip: For best results, don’t overbake. These cookies continue to set as they cool, and slight underbaking keeps them tender.

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Recipe Card Block: Quick Reference

These 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies are ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes. Prep takes 15 minutes, baking takes 14 minutes per batch, and the total time is just 29 minutes. This recipe yields 16 cookies, perfect for sharing at a small gathering or gifting in festive tins. Each cookie has approximately 95 calories, making them a light indulgence your guests won’t feel guilty about. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or need a quick treat for a school party, these simple holiday cookies deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes these minimal ingredient cookies so special? It’s all about balance: the butter provides rich flavor and tender crumb, powdered sugar delivers just the right sweetness without graininess, the egg yolk adds structure and creaminess, and flour gives body—all working in harmony. Unlike sugar cookies that spread wildly or brownies that require multiple steps, this recipe is foolproof and ideal for easy comfort food for family dinners or quick holiday treats for guests.

For best results: use unsalted butter so you control the salt level, sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps, and let the dough sit for 10 minutes if it’s too sticky (it’ll firm up slightly). These cookies don’t require chilling—welcome news when you’re short on time. If you’re looking for easy 4-ingredient cookie recipes that still taste premium, this one is a keeper. And because they hold their shape so well, they’re perfect for piping on festive details with icing or sugar decorations.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store cooled 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Baked cookies freeze beautifully too! Pack them in airtight containers with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. To refresh, warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes for that “fresh from the oven” feel. These simple holiday cookies are ideal for meal prep and make excellent easy Christmas biscuits to pull out when last-minute guests arrive.

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People Also Ask: 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies

How do you make 4-ingredient Christmas cookies?

You make 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies by combining 1 stick of room-temperature butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 cup flour with a pinch of salt. Mix into a soft dough, portion into balls, sprinkle with festive colors (optional), and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes. These easy Christmas biscuits are ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy hosts. The simple recipe uses pantry staples and delivers a tender, golden cookie with minimal effort. Great for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as quick gifts.

What are some easy 4-ingredient cookie recipes?

One of the best easy 4-ingredient cookie recipes is this buttery, tender Christmas version, made with butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and flour. But other variations include oatmeal cookies (oats, flour, butter, sugar), chocolate drop cookies (flour, cocoa, sugar, egg), or coconut macaroons (egg whites, sugar, coconut, extract). This particular recipe stands out because it’s bake-friendly, festive, and kid-approved. Its clean ingredient list makes it a favorite for quick gifting or last-minute treats during the holidays—proving that minimal ingredient cookies can still be rich and satisfying.

Can you decorate 4-ingredient cookies?

Absolutely! These 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies are perfect for decorating. Their smooth, firm edges stay intact, making them ideal for royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Press on holly-shaped sugar, mini chocolate chips for ornaments, or create piped wreaths with green and red icing. For a minimalist look, dust with extra powdered sugar or a sprinkle of edible gold. Using toothpicks or a piping bag, you can mimic traditional easy Christmas biscuits without frosting challenges. Even kids can help with simple designs, making this a fun, interactive activity.

Are 4-ingredient cookies good for kids to make?

Yes! These 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies are excellent for kids to make. With only a few ingredients and no complex steps, children ages 6 and up can safely measure, stir, and roll the dough. No electric tools are required—hand mixing works just fine. Decorating becomes a creative play session, and the quick baking time keeps attention spans engaged. Plus, the recipe uses no raw eggs (except the yolk, which is safe when baked), so it’s parent-approved. Making simple holiday cookies together fosters bonding and confidence, turning baking into a joyful, meaningful tradition.

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Conclusion: 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies – Your New Holiday Staple

These 4 Ingredient Christmas Cookies aren’t just easy—they’re essential. They prove that the best holiday memories don’t come from endless lists or complex techniques, but from simple moments: rolling dough with your kids, sharing warm cookies with neighbors, or sipping tea beside a plate of golden, buttery treats. This recipe gives you all that warmth, with none of the pressure.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro short on time, you’ll love how reliable and delicious these cookies are. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every December—and maybe other holidays too!

So preheat that oven, put on a favorite holiday playlist, and make a batch today. Snap a photo, tag us, or let us know your favorite way to decorate them in the comments. We’d love to see your creations and celebrate the season together.

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