4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a classic holiday favorite, offering a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. With origins tracing back to Scottish baking traditions, shortbread is renowned for its simplicity and rich flavor. This recipe uses only four ingredients—softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and flour—to create a cookie that’s not only delicious but also effortlessly easy to make. These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just enjoying a cozy treat at home. Their versatility in flavor and decoration makes them perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday spread.
Why You’ll Love This 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Simple and Convenient
With only four basic ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and cleanup—perfect for the busy holiday season. - Rich, Buttery Flavor
The softened butter adds a luxurious texture and flavor, while the confectioners’ sugar brings a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or cocoa. - Customizable for Any Occasion
This dough can be easily shaped with cookie cutters and decorated with festive sprinkles, icing, or chocolate drizzles, making it a versatile canvas for holiday creativity. - Great for Sharing and Gifting
These cookies are an ideal gift, as they stay fresh for several days and are loved by all ages. They can be packaged beautifully and make a thoughtful homemade present.
4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a holiday classic, perfect for sharing or gifting. Their simple ingredients and rich flavor make them a favorite during the festive season!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates the perfect texture and helps the cookies spread slightly during baking.
3️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in the cornstarch and flour, then mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can toughen the dough. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky.
4️⃣ Shape the Cookies
- Option 1: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Option 2: Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Arrange the cutouts on the baking sheet with some space in between.
5️⃣ Bake and Cool
- Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tip: For a uniform thickness and better texture, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these shortbread cookies with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a cozy treat. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles for added holiday flair.
Storage and Freezing
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations of 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Melt chocolate (dark, milk, or white) and dip half of each cookie. Decorate with crushed nuts, candy canes, or sprinkles before the chocolate hardens for a festive touch. - Spiced Shortbread Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced variation. These flavors add a subtle hint of holiday spice that pairs well with the buttery richness. - Gluten-Free Shortbread
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cookie’s structure. - Lemon Zest Shortbread
Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a fresh, citrusy twist. This variation complements the richness of the butter and makes the cookies extra aromatic.
FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit additional salt if using salted butter. The flavor may differ slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious. - What type of flour works best for shortbread?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. However, you can experiment with almond flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and gluten-free option. - How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading and retains the shape of any cutouts. - Can I add vanilla or almond extract?
Absolutely! A splash of vanilla or almond extract (½ teaspoon) can add extra depth of flavor to the shortbread. - How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too crumbly?
Measure your flour carefully and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack, as they are delicate when warm. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, let it thaw slightly at room temperature, then shape and bake as directed. - What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Dip them in melted chocolate, drizzle with icing, or dust with powdered sugar. Festive sprinkles and edible glitter add a holiday touch that’s fun and festive. - Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, these cookies keep well and can be made a few days in advance. Their flavor even improves slightly as they sit, making them ideal for holiday baking.
4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. With a simple, buttery base, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and customize for any festive occasion. Whether enjoyed plain or decorated with chocolate and sprinkles, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to your table. Ideal for gifting or simply enjoying with family, this shortbread recipe is one you’ll want to come back to year after year!