If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat that’s cute as a button and melts in your mouth, look no further than these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites. Each morsel is loaded with buttery, crumbly shortbread, flecked with cheery red and green sprinkles that make every bite merry and bright. They’re a cinch to make, perfect for sharing with friends and family, and let’s be honest—no holiday cookie platter is complete without these sweet little gems!

Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites lies in just a handful of classic, quality ingredients. Each one brings a special something—richness, structure, flavor, or that signature festive speckle. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some handy tips to make every batch flawless:

Unsalted butter: The star ingredient for that melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and gives the shortbread its light, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch elevates the flavor and fills your kitchen with cozy holiday aromas.
All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet delicate base of each bite-sized cookie.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness ever so slightly.
Red and green sprinkles: The holiday magic! Adds a pop of color and a bit of crunch—plus more for topping if you’re feeling extra festive.

How to Make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mix is light, fluffy, and just about irresistibly creamy. This step is key for that signature tender texture in every Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bite.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix again until it’s fully combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, a little at a time, mixing on low until a soft, crumbly dough starts to come together. Don’t rush this part—go slow to avoid over-mixing, which keeps your cookies perfectly delicate.

Step 3: Fold in Holiday Sprinkles

This is the fun part! Gently fold the red and green sprinkles into your dough. Each mix-in will peek through once your cookies are baked, giving you that classic holiday look with pops of color in every Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bite.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough

Press the dough into an even layer—about ½-inch thick—either in an 8×8-inch pan or on a lightly floured surface. Pop the dough in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up. This makes it so much easier to cut those crisp, clean bite-sized squares.

Step 5: Cut and Arrange

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the chilled dough into small, uniform squares. Lay each bite on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them. If you’d like, top with extra sprinkles before baking for an extra sparkly finish!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn a light golden color (be careful not to overbake). Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—they’ll firm up as they rest, turning perfectly crisp but tender.

How to Serve Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites

Garnishes

For that final festive touch, you can add another pinch of red and green sprinkles right as the bites come out of the oven. Or, dust a light shower of powdered sugar for a “snowy” effect—either way, your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites will look ready for a holiday card photo shoot.

Side Dishes

These bite-sized cookies pair beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate, a velvety eggnog, or your favorite spiced holiday tea. Set them out with a cheeseboard loaded with nuts and dried fruits for an elegant dessert spread at your next gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Pack the cookies into clear cellophane bags and tie them off with a festive ribbon for heartfelt homemade gifts. You can also stack them in glass jars, layer them between squares of parchment for a stunning cookie tower, or arrange them around the edge of a holiday cake or pie for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store your Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay buttery and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of your holiday celebrations.

Freezing

Good news for planners! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Pop the cooled bites into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. You’ll have festive treats ready to go for last-minute guests or spontaneous cookie cravings for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating

No need to reheat these, but if you love that “just-baked” warmth, set a few bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 275°F oven for 2–3 minutes. Let them cool slightly before enjoying so they retain their delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the texture might be a touch different, but the taste and festivity will be just as wonderful.

Can I add other mix-ins besides sprinkles?

Definitely! Fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee bits for a twist on tradition. Just don’t over-do the add-ins, so your bites keep their classic, sandy shortbread texture.

What’s the best way to cut the dough cleanly?

Chilling the dough first makes all the difference. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter, and if it gets sticky, wipe with a damp towel or dust lightly with flour in between cuts for those perfectly uniform bites.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Simply double all ingredients and press the dough into a 9×13-inch pan or work in batches. Since these Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are so poppable, they tend to vanish quickly.

Why are my cookie bites browning too much?

Make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and check the bites at the 12-minute mark. These cookies should only be lightly golden on the bottom. Over-baking can make them crunchy rather than tender, so keep an eye out!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra special about sharing a plate of Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites with people you love during the holidays. They’re festive, simple, and joyfully delicious—exactly what this season is about. Gather your loved ones, bake a batch, and let the cookie cheer begin!

Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 50 bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Christmas Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla sweetness, these bite-sized cookies are adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bites:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons red and green sprinkles (plus more for topping, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Flour: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Integrate Sprinkles: Gently fold in the holiday sprinkles.
Shape and Chill: Press the dough into an even layer, chill in the refrigerator, then cut into bite-sized squares.
Bake: Place the squares on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer preservation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American