Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies*! They’re the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness. With just four basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will have everyone begging for more. I love how quick and easy they are, making them perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions or when you just want something sweet without the fuss. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to nail these! Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Trust me, these cookies will make your holiday season even sweeter, and they’re bound to become a festive favorite in your home!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. This will give your cookies that rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sift the powdered sugar before measuring to avoid any lumps and ensure a smooth consistency in your dough.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Use a spoon to lightly fluff the flour before scooping to avoid packing it down. This will help achieve the perfect balance of structure and tenderness in your cookies.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully, so don’t skip this step!

How to Prepare 4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps for making these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies. Follow along, and you’ll have these buttery treats ready in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step! Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. No one wants a cookie that’s burnt on the outside and raw on the inside, right?

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually do this for about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. This step is magical, as it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that wonderful texture. You want it to be creamy and pale, so don’t rush this part!

Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually add in the flour and salt. I like to do this in two parts to avoid any lumps and ensure everything blends nicely. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. You’ll know it’s ready when it forms a cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should feel soft, but not sticky!

Step 4: Chilling the Dough

Now, it’s time to chill! Shape your dough into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential because it firms it up, making it easier to slice into those lovely rounds. Plus, it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking!

Step 5: Slicing and Baking

Once your dough is nicely chilled, remove it from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. I recommend using a sharp knife for clean cuts. Then, arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for expansion. Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Cooling the Cookies

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack is important because it allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy. Plus, this is the moment when they firm up just right, giving you that lovely texture you’re after!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies. Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 100
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 1g

These cookies are a delightful treat that won’t completely derail your diet, but as always, moderation is key—especially during the festive season! Enjoy every bite!

Variations on 4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

One of the best things about these 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies is their versatility! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or the holiday spirit. Here are some fun variations and decorative options to consider:

• Extract Enhancements: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Almond extract gives a lovely nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies.
• Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing twist. The citrus adds brightness and a delightful aroma that screams festive!
• Chocolate Dipped: Once your cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white). Allow the chocolate to set on parchment paper for a beautiful, elegant touch.
• Sprinkles and Sugars: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with festive colored sugar or nonpareils for a cheerful look. It adds a nice crunch and sparkle that’s perfect for the holidays!
• Nuts and Seeds: Chop up some nuts like pecans or walnuts and fold them into the dough for added texture and flavor. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before baking for a unique twist.
• Spiced Variants: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for winter. It’s a subtle change that can elevate your cookies to a whole new level!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Each variation will give your 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies a unique flair, making them even more special for your holiday gatherings.

Tips for Success

To ensure your 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps it blend more easily with the sugar, resulting in that light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Cold butter can lead to a dense cookie, and we definitely don’t want that!
• Proper Measuring: When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to too much in your dough. No one wants a cookie that’s too dry!
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour and salt to the creamed butter and sugar, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a tender crumb, so be gentle!
• Chill for Success: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps with slicing and ensures your cookies keep their shape while baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough for as little as 15 minutes, but the full 30 minutes is ideal.
• Baking Sheet Size: Use a light-colored baking sheet for best results. Dark pans can cause cookies to brown too quickly on the bottom. If you have multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.
• Watch Your Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! Ovens can vary, and the cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven a tad early if you’re unsure, as they’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet after being pulled out.
• Cooling Patience: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack. They need this time to set properly and develop that perfect texture. Plus, it gives you a chance to enjoy that delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up a batch of scrumptious 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential! Here’s how to do it:

• Storing: Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. I recommend using a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid to keep out air and moisture. Layer the cookies with parchment paper between them if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.
• Duration: Stored this way, your cookies will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your cookies. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to warm them up a bit, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, as they can lose their delightful texture! Enjoy your cookies fresh and flavorful!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up as you bake these scrumptious treats:

Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly. Unsalted butter gives that rich taste that really shines in these cookies, so if you can, stick with butter for the best results!

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

No powdered sugar? No problem! You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s fine and powdery. Just remember to sift it to eliminate any clumps before using it in the recipe.

Can I add different flavors to the cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like peppermint for a festive twist or coconut for a tropical flair. Just start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste!

How do I freeze the cookies?

To freeze your 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure to check the blend’s ingredients to ensure it works well for baking!

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make dairy-free 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute. There are many great options available now that mimic the taste and texture of butter wonderfully!

What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier. They’re best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them within a week for maximum flavor!

Got more questions? Feel free to reach out! I love helping fellow bakers create these easy and delicious 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies that make the holiday season even sweeter!

4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Made Easy and Sweet

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Simple and delicious 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Variations can include adding vanilla extract or almond extract for flavor.
• Dress cookies with melted chocolate or sprinkle with festive colored sugar before baking.
• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: 4 ingredient christmas shortbread cookies