Hello, holiday bakers! The festive season is here, and there’s nothing like baking delicious treats to fill your home with warmth and cheer. This easy 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for creating buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies adorned with a festive cherry on top. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies to share with friends, family, or even Santa! Let’s get started on this holiday baking adventure.
Introduction
Christmas cookies are a timeless tradition that brings joy to every household during the festive season. Among the many cookies that grace the holiday table, shortbread cookies stand out for their simplicity, elegance, and irresistible buttery flavor. This 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe offers a hassle-free way to bake a crowd-pleasing treat. These cookies require only basic pantry staples, making them a quick and affordable addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Plus, their festive appearance with maraschino cherries makes them a perfect centerpiece for any Christmas dessert spread.
Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple with just four main ingredients, ensuring you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve baking perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their rich, buttery flavor. Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while creating a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while staying tender and crumbly.
- Maraschino cherries (halved): A festive touch that adds a pop of color and a burst of sweetness to each cookie.
Feel free to double or triple the recipe for larger batches—these cookies are sure to disappear quickly!
How to Make 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Christmas Shortbread Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined. This step ensures your cookies will have a smooth texture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough starts to come together. It might look crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it forms a cohesive dough.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookies as they will spread slightly while baking. Gently press each ball with your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Place a halved maraschino cherry into the center of each indentation, pressing gently to secure it.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want them to overbake. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the cookies to set properly, ensuring they have the perfect crumbly texture.
Enjoy these delightful shortbread cookies with your favorite hot beverage, or package them up in festive tins to share as gifts.
Helpful Tips for the Best Shortbread Cookies
For the ultimate shortbread cookies, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency when mixing. If your dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk to bring it together. Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking. For a pop of flavor, you can add a dash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough.
Festive Variations
Although this recipe is perfect as-is, you can customize it to suit your taste or holiday theme. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. Swap maraschino cherries for candied cranberries or dried apricots for a different twist. Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive sprinkles for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own but can be elevated further when paired with other holiday treats. Serve them alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a festive holiday punch. They also pair beautifully with a platter of assorted cookies, such as gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or chocolate crinkle cookies.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 5%
- Calcium: 1%
- Iron: 2%
These cookies are a sweet indulgence that fits perfectly into your holiday celebrations.
Storage and Gifting Ideas
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months.
Gifting: These cookies make excellent holiday gifts. Arrange them in decorative tins or festive gift bags, and tie with a holiday ribbon. Include a handwritten note or recipe card for a personal touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Do I have to use maraschino cherries?
Not at all. You can use any festive topping, such as candied nuts, dried fruits, or a dollop of jam.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Related Recipes
If you love this recipe, try these festive favorites: Classic Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing, Gingerbread Men Cookies, Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies, or Holiday Almond Crescents.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy and festive recipe for 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies. These buttery cookies, with their bright cherry centers, will add a touch of holiday magic to your dessert table. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or giving them as gifts, they’re sure to spread joy this holiday season. Happy baking, and may your holidays be merry and bright!