Christmas Shortbread Cookies – The Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Treat Everyone Reaches for First
There’s something magical about a cookie that’s made from just a handful of simple ingredients and still tastes like pure holiday joy. These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are exactly that—buttery, tender, lightly sweet, and topped with a bright candied cherry that makes every bite feel like Christmas on a plate. They’re the cookies your family won’t stop talking about—and the ones your guests will devour first.
With only 4 ingredients, these cookies practically melt in your hands. They’re unbelievably soft thanks to the perfect balance of butter, powdered sugar, flour, and cornstarch—each one playing a key role in creating that iconic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Whether you’re filling cookie tins, gifting homemade treats, or planning your holiday dessert table, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients & What They Do
- 1 cup butter (softened) – The foundation of authentic shortbread. It provides richness, tenderness, and that silky, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Dissolves seamlessly into the dough, giving the cookies their delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch – The secret ingredient that makes the cookies soft, airy, and tender instead of dense or heavy.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Adds structure and helps the cookies hold their shape while staying buttery and soft.
- Maraschino cherries – A festive topping that adds color, charm, and a hint of sweetness to every bite.
How to Make Christmas Shortbread Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for smooth, even baking.
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar. Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light, creamy, and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, ensuring tender cookies.
- Add the cornstarch. Mix until fully combined—this creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and easy to shape.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on the baking sheet. Gently press a cherry half into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake—shortbread stays pale!
- Cool completely. They will be delicate when hot but firm up as they cool.
Why Everyone Loves These Cookies
- Only 4 simple ingredients—nothing complicated or expensive.
- Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels luxurious.
- Perfect for gifting—they stay tender for days.
- Festive appearance thanks to the bright red cherry on top.
- No chilling required—mix, shape, and bake.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies
- Use real butter. Margarine will not give the same flavor or texture.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch. It’s what creates the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Measure your flour accurately. Too much flour makes shortbread crumbly and dry.
- Keep the dough soft. If it feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of butter.
- Dry the cherries. Pat them dry so they don’t stain or slide.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine on their own, but they’re even more irresistible when served with:
- Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream
- Fresh coffee or a holiday latte
- Tea, especially cinnamon or peppermint blends
- Holiday dessert boards alongside fudge, truffles, and peppermint bark
They also make perfect additions to Christmas cookie swaps, office gatherings, and festive family nights.
Conclusion
These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are the definition of simple holiday perfection. With just four basic ingredients, they deliver unbeatable flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a nostalgic charm that feels like Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting homemade treats, or filling a holiday dessert table, these cookies are guaranteed to be the treat everyone reaches for first.
Easy, delicious, and completely irresistible—this is the holiday cookie recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your Christmas tradition.