These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness, they’re simple yet festive. The minimal ingredients make them a breeze to prepare, while their versatility allows for endless customization. Whether you shape them into traditional rounds or use cookie cutters for fun holiday designs, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to your Christmas celebrations.
The secret to these cookies lies in their simplicity: a balanced combination of butter, sugar, and flour with the addition of cornstarch for that signature shortbread tenderness. Decorate with festive sprinkles, a drizzle of chocolate, or enjoy them plain for a classic treat that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples for easy holiday baking.
• Versatile: Shape them as desired and decorate to match the season.
• Perfect Texture: Light, buttery, and delicately sweet.
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
1. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
1. Sift in the cornstarch and all-purpose flour.
2. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, forming a soft dough. Avoid overmixing to maintain the delicate texture.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
1. Choose your shaping method:
• Option 1: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
• Option 2: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Step 6: Cool
1. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies
• Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming and a smooth dough.
• Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
• Decorate with Festivity: Add holiday sprinkles, powdered sugar dusting, or a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch.
Storage Options
• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that’s sure to delight family and friends. Their classic flavor and customizable design make them a must-have for cookie trays, gift boxes, or simply enjoying during the festive season. 🎄🍪✨
