17+ Best Ever Christmas Shortbread Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 6, 2024
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious homemade shortbread cookies? If you're looking for the best ever Christmas shortbread recipe, look no further! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday baking traditions, and will have your family and friends begging for more.
Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones, spreading joy and cheer, and indulging in delicious treats. And what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a batch of homemade Christmas shortbread cookies? These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a holiday staple in many households, and for good reason. Not only are they easy to make, but they also make for a perfect gift or addition to any holiday dessert spread. Here are 20 different variations of the classic shortbread cookie that will have your taste buds dancing with holiday delight.
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Easy Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Salt, Pure Vanilla
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with a homemade holiday treat, these easy Christmas shortbread cookies are the perfect solution. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together in no time and are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can add your own creative touch by decorating them with colored sugar, sprinkles, or melted chocolate.
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Mini Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Sugar, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose Flour
For those who prefer bite-sized treats, these mini Christmas shortbread cookies are a must-try. They are perfect for snacking on while sipping hot cocoa by the fire or for gifting in a festive tin to friends and family. The smaller size also allows for more variety, so you can make a batch with different flavor combinations to please everyone's taste buds.
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Vegan Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Rice Flour, Oat Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Coconut
Just because you're following a vegan diet doesn't mean you have to miss out on the holiday cookie fun. These vegan Christmas shortbread cookies are made without any animal products, but still have that same buttery texture and delicious flavor. They are also perfect for those with dietary restrictions or food allergies, as they are free of dairy and eggs.
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Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Powdered Sugar, Butter, Vanilla Extract, Flour, Salt
Add a little warmth and spice to your holiday baking with these spiced Christmas shortbread cookies. Infused with festive flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a bit of spice in their sweets. You can even add a touch of brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor.
For those who appreciate sticking to tradition, these classic Christmas shortbread cookies are a must-have on your holiday dessert menu. Made with just butter, sugar, and flour, these cookies are simple yet oh so delicious. And with a little vanilla extract added in, they are sure to bring back memories of Christmases past.
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Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, Salt, All
Looking for a festive twist on the classic shortbread cookie? These cranberry pistachio Christmas shortbread cookies are just the thing. The tartness of the cranberries and the crunch of the pistachios add a burst of flavor and texture to the traditional buttery cookie. Plus, the red and green colors make them perfect for the holiday season.
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The Best Ever Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
With so many variations of shortbread cookies out there, it can be hard to determine which one is truly the best. But these Christmas shortbread cookies just might take the cake (or cookie) with their perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and crumbly. They are sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite.
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Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles
Main Ingredients: Butter, Flour, White Sugar, Cornstarch, Nonpareils
Let's be real, everything is better with sprinkles. And these Christmas shortbread cookies are no exception. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch to these already delicious cookies, making them a fun and eye-catching addition to any holiday dessert spread. Plus, they are great for getting the kids involved in the baking process.
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Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Maple Lacing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Maple Sugar, Egg Yolk, Vanilla
If you're a fan of maple, these Christmas shortbread cookies with maple lacing are a must-try. The subtle sweetness of the maple syrup adds a unique twist to the traditional shortbread cookie, making them stand out from the rest. Plus, the lacing technique adds a beautiful decorative touch to the cookies.
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Greek Christmas Shortbread Cookies (Kourabiethes)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Icing Sugar, Vanilla Extract
For a taste of Greece during the holiday season, try making these traditional Greek Christmas shortbread cookies, also known as Kourabiethes. They are made with almonds, powdered sugar, and rose water, giving them a distinct flavor and texture that is sure to impress. And they are perfect for dipping in a cup of Greek coffee or hot chocolate.
For a pop of festive color and flavor, these Christmas maraschino cherry shortbread cookies are a crowd-pleaser. The candied cherries add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful red hue to the classic shortbread cookie. And with a little almond extract added in, they have a delicious cherry almond flavor.
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Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Believe it or not, you can make delicious shortbread cookies with just three simple ingredients. These 3-ingredient buttery shortbread cookies are a game-changer for those who want a quick and easy holiday treat without sacrificing on flavor. They are perfect for last-minute baking or for those who are new to the kitchen.
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3-Ingredient Buttery Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Light Brown Sugar, All Purpose Flour
These Christmas cinnamon star shortbread cookies are a festive twist on the classic shortbread cookie. The shape and flavor are reminiscent of a traditional German Christmas treat, making them perfect for adding a touch of international flavor to your holiday dessert spread. Plus, they are perfect for decorating with icing or colored sugar.
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Christmas Cinnamon Star Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Powdered Sugar, Butter, Egg, Vanilla, All Purpose
For a unique and unexpected flavor, try making these lavender shortbread cookies. The subtle floral notes of the lavender add a delicate and refreshing taste to the traditional buttery cookie. And with a little lemon zest added in, they have a bright and citrusy flavor that is perfect for the holiday season.
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Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Culinary Lavender
If you love the combination of buttery and nutty flavors, these Christmas pecan shortbread cookies are a must-try. The chopped pecans add a delicious crunch to the already crumbly cookie, making them a perfect treat for snacking on during the holidays. You can even drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
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Christmas Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Walnuts, Flour
Pecan sandies are a classic cookie that many of us grew up enjoying. And these Christmas pecan sandies shortbread cookies are a holiday version of the beloved treat. The combination of butter, pecans, and brown sugar give them a rich and nutty flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. And they are a great option for those who prefer a little less sweetness in their cookies.
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Pecan Sandies Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Powdered Sugar, Water, Vanilla, Flour, Pecans
Looking for a fun and festive way to serve shortbread cookies? These Christmas tree shortbread cookies are the perfect solution. Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with green icing, sprinkles, and chocolate chips, they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. They also make for a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange.
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Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla Extract
For a unique and eye-catching cookie, try making these Christmas wreath shortbread cookies. The circular shape and bright green color make them look like festive holiday wreaths, and the addition of cranberries and almonds give them a delicious burst of flavor and texture. Plus, they are perfect for decorating with festive ribbon for a beautiful presentation.
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Christmas Wreath Shortbread Cookies
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract
There you have it, 20 different variations of the classic shortbread cookie that are perfect for the holiday season. From traditional to unique, there is a shortbread cookie on this list for everyone. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some delicious and festive treats that will have your friends and family asking for the recipe. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Melt-in-your-mouth texture
Butter: the key ingredient
One of the reasons why this shortbread recipe stands out from the rest is because of its perfect balance of butter in the dough. Using high-quality butter is crucial in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that we all love in shortbread cookies. Make sure to use unsalted butter, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies.
Cornstarch: the secret ingredient
Another key ingredient in this recipe is cornstarch. This may seem like an unconventional addition to shortbread cookies, but trust us, it makes all the difference. The cornstarch helps create a tender and delicate texture, making these cookies practically melt in your mouth with every bite.
Perfectly balanced flavors
Vanilla extract: the classic flavor
No shortbread recipe is complete without a touch of vanilla extract. It's a classic flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery taste of the cookies. We recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different types of extracts, such as almond or lemon, to add a unique twist to your cookies.
Citrus zest: a refreshing addition
For a burst of freshness, add some citrus zest to the dough. Use a microplane grater to finely grate the zest of your favorite citrus fruit, such as lemon or orange. This adds a subtle tanginess to the cookies that balances out the sweetness of the dough.
Endless decorating possibilities
Simple yet elegant
These shortbread cookies are delicious on their own, but they also make a great canvas for decorating. You can keep it simple and sprinkle some colored sugar on top before baking, or get creative and use icing and sprinkles to make festive designs. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or as a gift for your loved ones.
Customize to your liking
One of the best things about this shortbread recipe is that you can customize it to your liking. Add some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the dough for additional texture and flavor. You can also use cookie cutters to make different shapes and sizes, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
In conclusion, this best ever Christmas shortbread recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests this holiday season. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfectly balanced flavors, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and get baking, and don't forget to share your creations with us!
