Your Ultimate Guide to the Easiest Holiday Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some homemade Christmas shortbread cookies? With just four simple ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
Are you ready to fill your home with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked shortbread? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
Tip: Use unsalted butter for better control over the flavor.
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Also known as powdered sugar; it gives the cookies a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Ensures a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
The foundation of any good cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cooking Hack: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Tip: Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
4. Shape the Cookies
Choose your preferred method:
- Roll into Balls: Use a tablespoon to scoop dough and roll between your palms.
- Cut into Shapes: Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and use festive cookie cutters.
Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Home Tip: Chill the dough for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
5. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cooking Hack: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Tip: Sprinkle with extra confectioners’ sugar for a snowy effect.
Cooking Hacks for Perfect Shortbread
- Use High-Quality Butter: The butter is the star of this recipe. Opt for European-style butter with higher fat content for richer flavor.
- Don’t Skip Sifting: Sifting the dry ingredients aerates them, resulting in a lighter cookie.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough helps maintain the cookies’ shape.
- Uniform Size: Make sure all cookies are the same size to ensure even baking.
Home Tips for Holiday Baking
- Prepare in Batches: Double or triple the recipe to have plenty on hand for guests.
- Decorate Creatively: Add festive sprinkles, drizzle with chocolate, or dip in colored icing.
- Storage: Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Gift-Worthy Packaging: Place cookies in decorative tins or jars as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With only four ingredients, it’s a no-fuss recipe perfect for busy schedules.
- Economical: Basic pantry staples make this an affordable treat.
- Versatility: Customize with nuts, extracts, or zest to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: A great recipe to involve the little ones in holiday baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit any additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
- Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers set. Overbaking can cause them to become too dry.
- Can I add flavors to the dough?
Feel free to mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest for added flavor.
Share the Joy
If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself!
- Share on Social Media: Snap a photo of your delicious cookies and tag us with #HolidayShortbreadMagic.
- Leave a Comment: We’d love to hear how your cookies turned out. Share your experience and any tweaks you made.
- Subscribe for More: Sign up for our newsletter to receive more delightful recipes and home tips straight to your inbox.
Enjoy the holidays with these melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that are as easy to make as they are delicious. Happy baking!