If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season, look no further than this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe. These tiny delights bring together the buttery richness of classic shortbread with the cheerful crunch of holiday sprinkles, creating bite-sized moments of joy that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies strike the ideal balance of tender crumb and sweet sparkle—making every bite a celebration of Christmas magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe calls for a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays an important role—from the creamy butter lending richness and tenderness, to the sprinkles adding that unmistakable holiday cheer and crunch.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 230g): Softened butter is the foundation that gives your cookies a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings a warm, comforting aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups / 250g): Provides structure to the dough, holding everything together with a tender bite.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and brightens flavors, making every ingredient pop.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Red, green, and white sprinkles add festive color and a light crunch to each cookie bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by waking up your kitchen with warmth at 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step ensures your cookie bites bake evenly while making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light, like little clouds of sweet buttercream. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that classic warmth we love in holiday baking.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to your buttery mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels a little dry or crumbly, don’t hesitate to knead it gently with your hands—this helps bring everything together without overworking the dough.
Step 4: Add Sprinkles
Fold in your holiday sprinkles with care, making sure they are evenly dispersed for bursts of color and crunch throughout every bite. These little pops of red, green, and white instantly transform your dough into something truly merry.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into petite balls, about the size of a marble, roughly 1/2 inch in diameter. If you prefer a more uniform look, shape the dough into a log, chill if needed, and slice into neat cubes. Either way, this recipe is wonderfully flexible and fun to shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your dough balls or cubes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little breathing room between each to ensure they bake evenly. Slide them into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes—just until the edges start turning a light golden hue. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes.
Step 7: Cool and (Optional) Decorate
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up a bit before transferring to a wire rack. For an extra sprinkle of holiday finesse, drizzle with melted white chocolate and top with a few more festive sprinkles. This finishing touch not only makes them look irresistible but adds another layer of delicious sweetness.
How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These cookie bites are charming on their own, but a little extra garnish elevates them to show-stopper status. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a colorful drizzle of icing makes each piece look like holiday art. Fresh cranberries or small mint leaves also add visual appeal and a fresh burst alongside the buttery sweet bites.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe with a warm cup of spiced cider, mulled wine, or even hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. These cookies are the perfect companion to comforting holiday drinks, their buttery texture balancing spicy and creamy flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Take holiday entertaining up a notch by arranging your cookie bites in festive jars or on decorative platters lined with evergreen sprigs. Gift them in clear bags tied with red and green ribbons for easy sharing. You can also create a cookie bite tower or nestle them in between slices of layered holiday cakes for a charming surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cookies have cooled completely, store your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and buttery for up to a week, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or nibbling over several days.
Freezing
If you want to prep these festive treats ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookie bites in a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours—the sprinkles maintain their delightful crunch even after freezing.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop your cookie bites in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soft rather than bringing back the original crispness. This way, each bite feels like it’s fresh from the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies tasting too salty. Unsalted butter simply gives you more control over seasoning.
What type of sprinkles work best for this recipe?
Small, non-melting holiday sprinkles in red, green, and white are ideal. Avoid larger or chocolate sprinkles as they may affect the dough’s texture or color.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
While chilling the dough is not required, it can help if you prefer to slice the dough log into perfectly uniform cubes. It also helps prevent spreading during baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?
Gently folding the sprinkles in at the end helps minimize color bleed. Also, using high-quality, non-melt sprinkles designed for baking will keep colors vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe in your baking arsenal, you’re all set to create a truly special treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. They’re simple, charming, and bursting with festive flavor—just what we all need to make the season a little sweeter. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved tradition!
Print
Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 60 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are a festive and delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with rich unsalted butter, vanilla, and colorful holiday sprinkles, these bite-sized cookies are buttery, tender, and subtly sweet. Easy to prepare and bake, they bring classic shortbread flavor with a fun seasonal twist that’s great for sharing or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Decoration
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
- Optional: melted white chocolate and extra sprinkles for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with aroma.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, knead it gently with your hands until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overmixing to prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter, roughly the size of a marble. Alternatively, roll the dough into a log shape and slice into uniform cubes for consistent baking.
- Bake: Place the dough balls or slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale.
- Cool and Optional Decoration: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate and sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
- Do not overbake; shortbread cookies are best when tender and slightly pale.
- Optional white chocolate drizzle adds sweetness and decorative flair.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough logs separately wrapped for up to 3 months.
