The holiday season isn’t complete without a sweet treat that brings warmth, nostalgia, and festive cheer. Our Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe delivers buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa. These mini delights capture the essence of Christmas with every bite, featuring holiday sprinkles and optional white chocolate drizzle for that extra festive flair.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at festive baking for the first time, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to make your holiday table sparkle.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe
Buttery Perfection: Each bite melts in your mouth thanks to the perfect balance of butter and sugar.
Quick & Easy: From mixing to baking, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes.
Festive & Colorful: Holiday sprinkles make each cookie a mini celebration.
Versatile Serving: Ideal for gifting, decorating, or serving at Christmas parties.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with kids, and perfect for little hands.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance for stress-free baking.
Customizable: Add white chocolate drizzle, chopped nuts, or flavored extracts.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples while delivering bakery-quality taste.
Ingredients
Cookies
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
Optional Decoration
Melted white chocolate for drizzling
Extra holiday sprinkles
Pro Tip: For richer flavor, use European-style butter. If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try coconut sugar as a subtle swap.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor depth.
Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels crumbly, knead gently with your hands until smooth.
Add Sprinkles
Fold in holiday sprinkles evenly. This ensures every bite bursts with festive color.
Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into small balls (about 1/2 inch or 1.25 cm in diameter) or form into a log and slice into uniform cubes for consistent cookie shapes.
Bake
Arrange cookies on the prepared sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges turn lightly golden.
Cool & Decorate
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For extra holiday flair, drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle additional holiday decorations.
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Use chilled dough and avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar. The colder dough retains its shape during baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour works for a softer, nutty variation.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer with parchment between layers for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine for a festive beverage pairing.
Arrange in a holiday cookie tray for parties or office gifting.
Layer in gift boxes with tissue for beautiful edible presents.
Combine with other holiday cookies like gingerbread or peppermint bark for a cookie platter.
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
Calories: 95 kcal
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 0.3g
Tip: For lower sugar, reduce granulated sugar by 1–2 tablespoons or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temperature: 5–7 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving
Reheating Tip: Warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to refresh crispness
FAQs
Q: Can I use colored sugar instead of sprinkles?
Yes! Colored sanding sugar works perfectly for extra sparkle.
Q: How do I make these cookies dairy-free?
Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil and use plant-based vanilla extract.
Q: Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Wrap in parchment and tie with festive ribbon for beautiful, homemade presents.
Q: Can I add flavors like almond or peppermint?
Yes! Add 1/2 tsp almond extract or peppermint extract for a seasonal twist.
Q: Why are my cookies crumbly?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause crumbliness. Measure flour carefully and bake just until edges are lightly golden.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Chip Christmas Shortbread Bites: Fold in mini chocolate chips.
Nutty Holiday Bites: Add finely chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend.
Frosted Mini Cookies: Top with royal icing for extra holiday fun.
Spiced Version: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, seasonal flavor.
Conclusion
Indulge in the buttery, festive joy of our Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe this holiday season. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or sharing with loved ones, these mini treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bake, decorate, and spread holiday cheer—your kitchen will smell like Christmas magic!