Makes about 80 bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed and softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: Sprinkles of your choice for festive decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The incorporation of air into the butter makes the cookies tender and gives them a delightful texture.
- Incorporate Vanilla:
Add the pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined. The vanilla adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that complements the buttery richness of the shortbread.
- Add Flour:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix on low speed until the flour is just incorporated. The dough will have a slightly sandy texture, which is perfectly normal for shortbread. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Incorporate Sprinkles:
If you’re using sprinkles, fold them into the dough now. This adds a festive touch and makes your cookie bites visually appealing. Mix until the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Forming the Dough:
Once the dough comes together, use your hands to work it into a ball. If the dough feels too crumbly, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help it bind better.
- Pressing the Dough:
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it reaches all corners. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the surface.
- Chill the Dough:
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and improves the flavor.
- Cutting the Bites:
After chilling, grab the edges of the parchment paper to lift the dough out of the pan. Transfer it to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into bite-sized squares. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even baking. - Bake the Cookies:
Arrange the cut squares on a greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each piece. This allows for slight expansion during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the bottoms begin to brown. Keep an eye on them; every oven varies!
- Cooling:
Once baked, remove the cookie bites from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step will help them firm up a bit more. - Storage:
Once cooled, store your Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but they probably won’t last that long because they’re so delicious!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Flavor: Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Mix-In Ideas: You can also mix in finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Decorate: For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bites or dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
- Gift Idea: These cookie bites make great holiday gifts! Package them in decorative boxes or jars with a festive ribbon.
Enjoy making these delightful Christmas Shortbread Cookie Bites, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself!