If you’re looking to create a festive treat that’s delightfully simple yet irresistibly delicious, you’re in the right place. This 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a holiday favorite that blends rich buttery goodness with just a touch of sweetness, crowned by the cheerful pop of maraschino cherries. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, proving that you don’t need an extensive ingredient list to whip up cookies that bring warmth and joy to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These four ingredients are straightforward but mighty—they each bring something special to the table, ensuring your cookies come out with perfect texture, sweetness, and that classic festive flair. Here’s what you’ll gather before diving in:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This gives your cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so make sure it’s softened but not melted.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar keeps the shortbread delicate and smooth, contributing to the subtle sweetness without grittiness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, it provides structure and allows the buttery flavor to shine.
- Maraschino cherries (halved): These add a splash of festive red and a sweet, slightly tangy finish that elevates your shortbread from simple to spectacular.
How to Make 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. This step is crucial for building that classic shortbread tenderness. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined—about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to your butter and sugar mixture. It’s best to do this in batches, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft but firm dough that isn’t crumbly.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Gather your dough and roll it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, slice the dough into ½-inch thick rounds and arrange them on your baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Toppings and Bake
Press half a maraschino cherry gently into the center of each cookie. These cherries not only provide a pop of color but also bring a delightful burst of flavor. Bake your shortbread cookies in a preheated 325°F oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden brown. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Why not add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to make your 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe look even more enchanting? Sprigs of fresh rosemary on the serving platter can also add an aromatic holiday touch.
Side Dishes
These shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced tea, rich coffee, or a steaming cup of cocoa. Their buttery soft texture makes them perfect to nibble alongside any holiday drink for a cozy seasonal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your cookies in festive shapes on a holiday-themed platter or in clear cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon for gifting. You can even make a cookie wreath by arranging the cookies in a circular pattern on a cake stand, making an edible centerpiece for your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to one week, so you can enjoy your holiday indulgence over several days without worry.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, slice the dough log and freeze the individual rounds on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies anytime.
Reheating
Although these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can gently warm them in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked aroma and softness. Avoid using a microwave as it can make them too soft or greasy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the maraschino cherries with something else?
Absolutely! You can replace maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or small pieces of festive candied fruit for a different sweet-tart twist that still complements the buttery shortbread.
Do I need to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level, ensuring the cookies taste just right. But if you only have salted butter, reduce or skip adding any extra salt in your recipe to keep the balance perfect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor of the 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe will still shine through.
Is powdered sugar necessary, or can I use granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar is preferred because it dissolves more smoothly, creating a tender crumb. Granulated sugar tends to make the texture a bit grainy, so for the classic shortbread feel, stick to powdered sugar.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling your dough before slicing and baking is key. It helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring that each cookie bakes evenly and maintains a lovely, uniform appearance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how this 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe brings holiday cheer with such simple ingredients and steps. It’s the perfect recipe for sharing with friends, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying a cozy moment with a warm drink. Give it a try this season—you’ll find yourself reaching for these cookies as a new holiday tradition.
Print
4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and delightfully simple to make. Perfect for the holiday season, they require just a few basic ingredients and a touch of festive charm with maraschino cherries on top. These cookies are a classic treat that combines rich shortbread texture with a sweet cherry garnish, making them ideal for gift-giving or holiday parties.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- Maraschino cherries, halved (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure an even and gentle baking temperature for the shortbread cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is essential for a tender shortbread texture.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until the dough comes together and forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shapes, then transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate: Gently press a halved maraschino cherry onto the center of each cookie for a festive touch and added sweetness.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden around the edges. Baking at a low temperature ensures that the cookies remain tender and crumbly.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
- Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before rolling can help with easier handling.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar after cooling for an extra festive look.
