4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Enjoy these simple and festive 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal ingredients and quick preparation. Perfect for holiday celebrations, gifting, and customizable to suit your festive style.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Regular (can be made Gluten-Free with substitutions)
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by softening the unsalted butter to room temperature and measure the powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract carefully to ensure the right balance.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy, which will give your cookies their tender crumb.
- Add Vanilla and Flour: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined, then gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together without overworking it.
- Shape the Cookies: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into balls or shape with cookie cutters for a festive look, then place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden at the edges, then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother dough and tender texture.
- Don’t overmix when adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Chill dough briefly before baking to maintain shape and reduce spreading.
- Watch baking time closely to remove cookies when edges lightly brown.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, shortbread, holiday baking, easy cookies, 4 ingredient cookies, festive treats