Jolly Christmas Shortbread Bites Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Sweet, buttery Christmas shortbread bites will melt in your mouth and spark holiday joy.

Crumbly and delicate, these little treats bring festive cheer to any gathering.

Baking these delightful morsels takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

The classic shortbread recipe gets a cheerful twist with festive sprinkles and a touch of seasonal magic.

Each bite-sized piece delivers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures the essence of holiday baking.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into these delectable little treasures.

Serve these delightful Christmas shortbread bites and watch smiles spread around the table.

How to Create Christmas Shortbread Bites

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Take an 8-inch square pan and line it with plastic wrap, making sure some wrap hangs over the edges to help you remove the dough easily later.

Step 2: Create Delicious Dough

• Softened butter
• Sugar
• Almond extract

Whip these together using a mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl while mixing.

• Flour
• Salt

Mix until everything blends nicely.

Sprinkle in colorful nonpareils and mix gently.

Step 3: Shape The Dough

Use your hands to knead the mixture inside the bowl about 4-5 times.

This helps the dough come together into a nice ball.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using the plastic wrap to help spread it smoothly.

Step 4: Cut Adorable Bite-Sized Pieces

Slice the dough into tiny half-inch squares.

Carefully transfer these cute little bites onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about half an inch apart.

Discard the plastic wrap.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for the bottoms to turn a light golden brown.

Remove and let cool before enjoying your festive treats.

Shortbread Cookie Tips for Buttery Results

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted to maintain the perfect shortbread consistency and help dough bind together smoothly.
• Use high-quality almond extract and real butter for rich, authentic taste that elevates these festive bites.
• Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to create uniform, neat squares without crumbling the delicate dough.
• Monitor shortbread closely during baking to achieve a light golden bottom without overcooking, which prevents dryness.
• Fold sprinkles gently into dough to prevent color bleeding and ensure even color distribution throughout the shortbread.

Festive Twists on Classic Shortbread Bites

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same buttery texture and festive spirit.
• Vegan Christmas Bites: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free shortbread that's equally delectable.
• Chocolate Sprinkle Variation: Trade nonpareils for mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate sprinkles to add a rich, decadent element to the classic shortbread.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, creating a lighter treat perfect for those watching their sugar intake.

How to Serve Shortbread Cookies for Parties

Festive Cookie Platter Pairings: Delightful Serving Suggestions

• Cocoa Companion: Serve these shortbread bites alongside a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, creating a cozy winter treat that melts in your mouth.
• Holiday Gift Charm: Package these colorful shortbread squares in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making perfect homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Dessert Table Star: Arrange the bites on a decorative holiday tray, mixing them with other small cookies to create a stunning and varied cookie display that'll impress guests.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair these bite-sized treats with a selection of herbal or classic black teas for an elegant mid-afternoon snack that sparkles with festive cheer.

Storage Tips for Holiday Shortbread Bites

• Store cooled shortbread bites in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, ensuring cookies remain crisp and delicious.
• Transfer completely cooled shortbread bites to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze flat for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Maintain crispness by storing in a cool, dry place for 3-4 days maximum.
• Warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore original texture. Alternatively, let cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to revive their crunch.

FAQs

• What are nonpareils?

Nonpareils are tiny, round, colorful sprinkles used for decorating baked goods. They add a festive touch and a slight crunch to these Christmas shortbread bites.

• Can I use a different extract instead of almond?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract. This will slightly change the flavor profile but still create delicious shortbread bites.

• How do I ensure my shortbread bites are uniform in size?

Use a sharp knife and ruler to cut the dough into precise 1/2-inch squares. This helps ensure even baking and consistent texture across all the bites.

Christmas Shortbread Bites Reasons to Make These Cookies

• These Christmas shortbread bites burst with holiday cheer, making them a perfect treat for seasonal gatherings and cookie exchanges.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean even novice bakers can create impressive, colorful cookies without stress.
• Nonpareils add a playful, festive touch that transforms ordinary shortbread into a celebration-worthy dessert that sparks joy for all ages.
• Bite-sized portions make these treats ideal for parties, allowing guests to enjoy multiple cookies without feeling overwhelmed.

Shortbread Bite Ingredients for Holiday Baking

• Butter: A rich and creamy base that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the shortbread.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the shortbread its classic crumbly texture.

• Almond Extract: Brings a delightful nutty and aromatic flavor to the shortbread.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

• Nonpareils: Colorful sprinkles that add a festive and playful touch to the Christmas shortbread bites.

Baking Tools for Festive Cookie Platters

• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to perfect consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for flour, sugar, and extract.
• 8-inch Square Baking Pan: Used for initial dough shaping and spreading.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps in easy dough removal and even spreading.
• Ungreased Cookie Sheets: For baking the shortbread bites.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut dough into uniform 1/2-inch squares.
• Cooling Rack: Optional for cooling baked shortbread bites.

Christmas Shortbread Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic christmas shortbread bites meld Scottish tradition with festive cheer. Buttery, crumbly morsels deliver sweet holiday memories you’ll savor with each delightful nibble.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar

Flavor and Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Decorative Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons multi-colored nonpareils

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 325°F and line an 8-inch square pan with plastic wrap, ensuring a 1-inch overhang for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, and almond extract until smooth and uniform, using medium-speed mixing. Gradually incorporate flour and salt at low speed until fully integrated. Gently fold in colorful nonpareils.
3. Using hands, softly knead the dough within the bowl 4-5 times until it coheres into a compact mass. Utilize plastic wrap to evenly distribute dough across the prepared pan, pressing gently to create a uniform layer.
4. Carefully slice the dough into precise 1/2-inch square segments. Transfer these delicate squares onto ungreased cookie sheets, positioning them approximately 1/2 inch apart.
5. Position cookie sheets in preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for subtle golden-brown edges developing on the bottom. Remove and allow to cool completely before serving these festive, bite-sized treats.

Notes

• Swap almond extract with vanilla for a classic flavor profile that suits more palates.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these shortbread bites celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Chill the dough for 15 minutes before cutting to ensure crisp, clean edges and prevent spreading during baking.
• Add festive color by using red and green nonpareils or sprinkles to match holiday themes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 101
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg