3-Ingredient Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Ever have that one cookie that just melts in your mouth and makes you instantly forget your to-do list? Yeah, that’s Shortbread Christmas Cookies. They’re buttery, crumbly, and dangerously addictive — basically the cookie equivalent of holiday magic.
I bake these every December, and trust me, once that buttery aroma hits your kitchen, you’ll officially feel like Christmas has arrived. 🎄
So, if you’re looking for a festive cookie that’s simple, classy, and doesn’t require a culinary degree, you’re in for a treat (literally).
Why Shortbread Rules the Christmas Cookie Game
Let’s be real: holiday baking can get chaotic. You’ve got icing disasters, overbaked gingerbread, and that one family member who insists on “helping.” 😅
But shortbread? Shortbread is your chill friend who never causes drama. It only needs a few ingredients — butter, sugar, and flour — and yet somehow it tastes like heaven.
What Makes It So Good?
- Pure Butter Bliss: No shortcuts here. Good-quality butter is the MVP.
- That Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the perfect fat-to-flour ratio.
- Versatility: Add chocolate, nuts, or festive sprinkles — shortbread won’t complain.
- Longevity: These cookies stay fresh for days (if they last that long).
Ever wondered why shortbread has that perfect snap when you bite it? It’s all in the ratio — too much flour, and it’s dry; too little, and you’re making dough soup. 😬
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things classic but gives you the option to glam it up for Christmas.
Basic Shortbread Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ons (Because Christmas Deserves Extra Sparkle):
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (for that cozy nutty vibe)
- Holiday sprinkles or colored sugar
- Dipped chocolate edges or drizzle
- Crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist
You can go wild here — shortbread doesn’t judge. IMO, vanilla + sprinkles = the ultimate festive combo
How to Make Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Simple ingredients, zero stress, and a cookie that’ll make Santa come back for seconds.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 3 minutes.
It should look creamy, not greasy. If you see little butter chunks, keep mixing.
Step 2: Add Flavor (a.k.a. Personality)
Mix in your vanilla and almond extract. These tiny drops transform basic dough into holiday gold.
Step 3: Add Flour and Salt
Add flour and salt, stirring until it comes together into a soft dough.
If it feels crumbly, gently knead it with your hands until smooth. Don’t overmix — this isn’t a gym workout.
Step 4: Roll and Chill
Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness.
Pop it into the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading like a bad rumor.
Step 5: Cut and Decorate
Use your favorite holiday cutters — stars, trees, reindeer, or even simple rounds.
Sprinkle with sugar or add festive decorations before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 12–15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Let them cool completely before handling (I know, waiting is hard).
Tips for the Perfect Shortbread
Even though shortbread is simple, there are a few secrets that make the difference between “meh” and magnificent.
- Use Room-Temperature Butter. Not melted, not cold — just soft enough to press a finger in.
- Don’t Overbake. The pale color is part of its charm. Once the edges are golden, pull them out.
- Chill the Dough. It keeps the cookies from turning into shapeless blobs.
- Measure Properly. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour. Trust me, eyeballing doesn’t work here.
Ever tried to make shortbread with margarine? Yeah… don’t. The flavor won’t even come close.
Fun Variations You’ll Love
Shortbread might be classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t remix it. Here are some fun spins to try:
1. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread
Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark chocolate. Add crushed candy canes for that “Pinterest-worthy” finish.
2. Lemon Zest Shortbread
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy pop. Great for when you need a break from all that peppermint overload.
3. Espresso Shortbread
Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder. It’s basically coffee and cookie therapy in one bite.
4. Pecan Shortbread
Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans for texture and flavor. Southern-approved and totally addictive.
Serving and Storing
Shortbread is one of those cookies that ages like fine wine. Seriously, they taste even better after a day or two.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight tin for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Gift Idea: Stack in clear jars with ribbon for easy, edible Christmas gifts.
Pro tip: Add a cinnamon stick or piece of dried orange peel to the jar — it looks fancy and smells amazing.
Shortbread Around the World
Did you know shortbread has royal roots? Yep, it started in Scotland — originally a luxury reserved for special occasions like Christmas and weddings.
Here’s a quick peek at how it’s evolved globally:
| Region | Variation |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Classic buttery shortbread, cut into fingers or rounds. |
| Denmark | Vaniljekranse – a vanilla-flavored shortbread wreath cookie. |
| Mexico | Polvorones – crumbly shortbread dusted with powdered sugar. |
| USA | Decorated Christmas shortbread with icing or sprinkles. |
So yeah, shortbread is basically the world’s cookie diplomat. 🌍🍪
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Every time I bake these, I swear I’ll “just have one.” Spoiler alert: I never do.
These cookies are simple, nostalgic, and insanely delicious — and that combination never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting neighbors, or just hoarding them for yourself (no judgment), Shortbread Christmas Cookies bring joy with every bite.
So go ahead, preheat that oven and get your butter ready. Santa’s about to be very impressed. 😉
Print
3-Ingredient Shortbread Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic buttery shortbread Christmas cookies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and mix well.
3. Add flour and salt; mix until dough forms.
4. Roll between parchment sheets and chill 30 minutes.
5. Cut into shapes and decorate.
6. Bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes.
Notes
Chill dough to prevent spreading.
Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish / Christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
