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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 325°F and line an 8-inch square pan with plastic wrap, ensuring a 1-inch overhang for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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