🎄 Easy Christmas Shortbread Cookies | Festive Recipe Ideas 🍪

Table of Contents: Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Christmas Shortbread Cookies

There’s something magical about the scent of buttery Christmas Shortbread Cookies wafting through the kitchen—especially when they’re made with love and shared with family. For readers aged 40–65+, this recipe brings back cherished memories of holiday baking, while offering a simple, delicious way to create new traditions. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, preparing homemade gifts, or simply treating yourself, these Holiday Shortbread cookies deliver rich flavor, tender crumb, and timeless charm. With just a few pantry staples and a touch of creativity, you’ll be serving up buttery perfection in no time.

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Introduction: Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Baking is more than a tradition during the holidays—it’s a heartfelt expression of joy, warmth, and togetherness. Among all the Easy Christmas Cookies out there, Christmas Shortbread Cookies stand out for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, delicate sweetness, and effortless elegance. This recipe captures the essence of the season: simplicity, indulgence, and a touch of nostalgia. Made with real butter, a whisper of vanilla, and a golden crust, these Butter Cookies Christmas favorites are perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or a cozy evening by the fire.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether you prefer classic round cookies topped with raspberry jam (I see you, thumbprint lovers!) or fanciful cut-out shapes frosted with glossy icing, these Holiday Shortbread delights adapt to any creative whim. They require no chilling, no fancy equipment, and come together in under an hour. Ideal for school functions, family dinners, or impromptu holiday cheer, these cookies are the ultimate “easy comfort food for family dinners” with a festive twist. Best of all? They store beautifully and actually taste better the next day—just like holiday memories.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This beloved recipe goes by many names in kitchens around the world: Santa’s Shortbread, Winter Butter Cookies, or Festive Jam Thumbprints. You might also find it called No-Chill Christmas Shortbread or 5-Ingredient Butter Christmas Cookies—perfect for quick, reliable bakes. For those searching for similar treats, this recipe bridges the gap between traditional shortbread and easy Holiday Shortbread, making it a go-to for anyone craving buttery, tender cookies without the fuss. Looking for a twist? Try swapping jam for nutella in the middle or rolling the edges in festive sprinkles for added color—this version is truly one of the best Easy Christmas Cookies you can bake year after year.

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Ingredients: Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• – 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, very soft
• – 1/2 cup granulated sugar, preferably organic cane sugar for a cleaner taste
• – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, a must for rich, aromatic flavor
• – 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a lighter crumb
• – 2/3 cup fruit jam, preserves, or Nutella (raspberry, cherry, or apricot recommended)
• – 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), for the icing
• – 1–2 teaspoons whole milk (to smooth out the icing)
• – 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, for the icing

Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that signature Holiday Shortbread tenderness and buttery richness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the very soft butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy—this step is key for texture.

3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the sifted flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides to ensure even blending. The dough will be soft but should pull away from the bowl and form a smooth ball (don’t overmix).

5. Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a marbles). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. For thumbprint style: gently press your thumb or a tool into the center to create a well. For cut-outs: roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment and use festive cutters (stars, trees, bells).

6. Fill the Centers: Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of jam, preserves, or Nutella into each thumbprint or center. If using cut-outs, bake plain and ice after cooling.

7. Bake to Perfection: Bake one sheet at a time in the center rack for 12–14 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden but not browned. Shortbread is done when it’s set and barely starting to color.

8. Cool & Decorate: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool (about 30 minutes), drizzle or pipe on the icing.

9. Make the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time until the icing is smooth and drizzles easily. Use immediately.

10. Drizzle & Enjoy: Drizzle icing over round cookies or flood between edges for decorated cut-outs. Add holiday sprinkles while icing is wet for a festive pop.

Chef Tip: For nutella lovers, swap jam with warmed Nutella for an extra-rich center—great for gifting!

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: About 40 cookies | Approximate Calories per cookie: 85. This Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe is perfect for beginners and pros alike, delivering consistent, buttery results with minimal effort. Ideal for Easy Christmas Cookies that impress without stress.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe is a triumph of simplicity and science. The high butter content—what gives shortbread its name “short”—creates a crumbly, tender bite that melts in the mouth. Unlike sugar cookies that rely on eggs and spreading for texture, true shortbread is just butter, sugar, and flour—making it uniquely luxurious. The soft (not melted) butter ensures proper aeration, while sifted flour prevents grittiness. For the best Holiday Shortbread, avoid over-baking: these cookies continue to firm up off the heat.

This recipe also excels as easy comfort food for family dinners—minimal cleanup, no refrigeration, and room for creativity. Use mini mason jar lids as cutters, try flavored extracts (peppermint, almond), or dip cooled cookies in chocolate. The filling options—jam, Nutella, lemon curd—make them adaptable for all tastes. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, stress-free, and the definition of Easy Christmas Cookies done right.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store cooled Christmas Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To keep them extra fresh, layer with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking. For Butter Cookies Christmas gifting, wrap individual cookies or pack in festive tins.

To freeze: Place completely cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving—no reheating needed. Dough can also be rolled into balls and frozen uncooked; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time. This makes the perfect Holiday Shortbread prep for busy December schedules—just bake and share.

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People Also Ask: Christmas Shortbread Cookies

What makes shortbread cookies crumbly?

The crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread cookies comes from two key factors: a high ratio of butter to flour and the absence of eggs and leavening agents. The butter coats the flour particles, preventing gluten formation, which keeps the dough tender. When baked, the fat melts and creates air pockets, resulting in a rich, crumbly bite. Using very soft—not melted—butter ensures proper aeration during creaming. This classic method defines Holiday Shortbread, setting it apart from other cookies. Properly baked shortbread will never be hard or crispy, only delicately firm with a buttery finish.

How do you decorate Christmas shortbread cookies?

Decorating Christmas Shortbread Cookies is where imagination shines. Use royal icing, glaze icing, or chocolate to create festive designs like snowflakes, holly, or Santa faces. For simplicity, a simple drizzle of Powdered Sugar Icing with a sprinkle of red and green sugar is instantly festive. Thumbprint cookies can show off their jam centers or be dusted with cinnamon. For cut-out shapes, use small brushes or piping bags to add details. Edible markers, sprinkles, or candies can turn plain cookies into Easy Christmas Cookies centerpieces. Pro tip: decorate after cooling, and keep edible elements balanced so the buttery flavor remains the star.

Can you cut shortbread into Christmas shapes?

Absolutely! Christmas Shortbread is a perfect canvas for festive cut-out shapes like stars, trees, snowmen, and bells. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of parchment paper (to prevent sticking). Use sharp cookie cutters and transfer shapes gently with a spatula. Because shortbread dough lacks elasticity, avoid overworking it—dust with a bit of flour if needed, but sparingly. Shaped Butter Cookies Christmas style can be baked plain and decorated later with icing or sanding sugar before baking. This method is ideal for cookie exchanges and Holiday Shortbread gifts. Just remember: shortbread won’t spread much, so spacing and even thickness matter.

What is the difference between shortbread and sugar cookies?

While both are beloved Easy Christmas Cookies, shortbread and sugar cookies differ in ingredients, texture, and purpose. Shortbread uses a higher butter-to-flour ratio and no eggs or leavening, creating a crumbly, rich, buttery bite. Sugar cookies include eggs and baking soda or powder, making them slightly cake-like and ideal for detailed decorating. Shortbread is best chilled or at room temperature, while sugar cookies often rely on icing for color. Texturally, shortbread melts; sugar cookies hold shape and snap when cooled. For pure butter flavor, Holiday Shortbread wins. For elaborate designs, sugar cookies take the stage—but our recipe gives you the best of both worlds with customizable fillings and icings.

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Conclusion: Christmas Shortbread Cookies

If you’ve been searching for the perfect Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe—one that’s rich, simple, and full of holiday spirit—you’ve found it. Whether you’re dusting off an old cookie tin or baking with grandchildren for the first time, these Butter Cookies Christmas treats bring joy in every bite. With endless ways to personalize and store, they’re the ultimate expression of holiday generosity and home-baked love. So preheat that oven, pull out the festive cutters, and bake up a batch today. We can’t wait to hear how yours turned out—share your photos, variations, or holiday memories in the comments below. Happy baking, and happy holidays!

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