Mini Christmas Shortbread Cookies – A Festive Holiday Treat
There’s something truly magical about Mini Christmas Shortbread Cookies during the holiday season. These delicate, buttery bites are the definition of festive comfort—simple yet luxurious, classic yet endlessly customizable. With their perfectly buttery flavor, light and tender texture, and irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality, these cookies embody everything we love about traditional holiday baking. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dessert, assembling beautiful cookie gift boxes, or contributing to a holiday cookie swap, these mini shortbread cookies are guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Unlike heavier cookies, shortbread relies on quality ingredients and technique rather than fillers. The result is a cookie that feels elegant, nostalgic, and indulgent all at once. Best of all, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned holiday pros.
Ingredients & Their Important Roles
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature) – The star of the recipe. Butter provides the signature rich, creamy flavor and tender crumb that defines classic shortbread. Using unsalted butter allows full control over the final taste.
- Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth, delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Powdered sugar blends effortlessly into the butter.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the buttery flavor with subtle warmth and holiday aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender. Measured carefully, it ensures the dough is never dense or dry.
- Cornstarch – A secret ingredient that guarantees an extra-light, tender texture, making the cookies irresistibly soft.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery richness.
- Festive Toppings (Nonpareils, Colored Sugar, or Powdered Sugar) – Adds visual appeal and a touch of holiday sparkle without overpowering the classic flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Ensure all ingredients—especially the butter—are at room temperature. This is crucial for proper creaming, allowing the butter and sugar to blend smoothly and create a uniform dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until pale, fluffy, and smooth. This step incorporates air, giving the cookies their delicate texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, enhancing the cookie’s aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls or pipe into mini shapes for a classic look. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
Step 6: Decorate
Gently press nonpareils or colored sugar onto the tops, or leave plain for a dusting of powdered sugar later.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 12–15 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
Step 8: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set while remaining tender.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
- Perfectly buttery – Rich, indulgent flavor in every bite.
- Light and tender – Never dense, always melt-in-your-mouth.
- Customizable – Easily decorated for any holiday theme.
- Shareable size – Ideal for gift boxes and cookie platters.
- Simple ingredients – Elegant results with pantry staples.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies
- Do not overmix the dough—this keeps cookies tender.
- Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft to shape.
- Bake at a lower temperature to avoid browning.
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Mini Christmas Shortbread Cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or freshly brewed coffee. Arrange them on festive platters, package them in holiday tins, or pair them with other classic Christmas cookies for a stunning dessert spread.
Final Thoughts
These Mini Christmas Shortbread Cookies prove that simplicity truly is the ultimate sophistication. With their buttery richness, tender crumb, and festive charm, they are a holiday essential that never goes out of style. Easy to prepare, beautiful to serve, and impossible to resist, this recipe delivers exceptional results with minimal effort—making it a must-bake favorite that will outshine and outrank the rest.