Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cookies wafting through the house, filling the air with warmth and cheer. I remember the first time I made 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies—it was a snowy afternoon, and my kitchen was a flurry of flour and laughter. I had my little ones helping, and we were all covered in powdered sugar by the end. These cookies are a breeze to whip up and make such a delightful treat for family and friends. Just four simple ingredients come together to create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a holiday tradition!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients before you start baking. Trust me, it’s all about keeping things easy and enjoyable!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Don’t melt it; we want that creamy texture!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – No need to sift it, but if you like a super smooth cookie, feel free to give it a quick sift!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your cookies. Measure it out carefully for the best results.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This adds a lovely flavor that will make your cookies irresistible!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making these delightful cookies! Each step is super simple, and I promise you’ll be snacking on your delicious creations in no time. Here we go!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. No one likes a cookie that’s burnt on the outside and raw on the inside, right? So, get that oven warming up while you prepare the dough!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s all smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic starts! Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, because we want that perfect texture. Remember, don’t overmix; just mix until everything is well combined. You’re aiming for a light and airy mixture!
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Next up, it’s time to add in that lovely vanilla extract. This step is key because it adds a rich flavor that makes your cookies irresistible! Just pour in a teaspoon and mix it in gently. You’ll start to smell the sweetness, and it’s going to make your kitchen feel like a cozy holiday haven.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Now, gradually add in the flour. I like to do this in parts to avoid a flour explosion (trust me, it happens!). Add a little at a time, mixing gently until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; we’re keeping it soft and crumbly, just like shortbread should be!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Time to get your hands a little messy! Take small amounts of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of a tablespoon. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball. Then, flatten each one slightly with a fork—this gives them that classic shortbread look and helps them bake evenly!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop your baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary! The smell will be heavenly, and you’ll just want to dive in right away!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once they’re baked to perfection, let your cookies cool on a wire rack. This helps them set properly. You might want to wait before diving in, but it’s tough! If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy your delicious cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with loved ones—they’re perfect for the holidays!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for each of these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies. Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands you use and how big you make your cookies.
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are not only a sweet treat but also relatively simple on the calories, making them a delightful addition to your holiday festivities! Enjoy indulging in their buttery goodness guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just four ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner bakers!
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up these cookies in just 30 minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities.
- Delicious Flavor: The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the sweetness of powdered sugar and a hint of vanilla makes for an irresistible treat.
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are a hit at any holiday party or gathering, and they make fantastic gifts when packaged beautifully!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to make these cookies uniquely yours!
Tips for Success
To make sure your 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Butter Consistency: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, not melted. This is key for achieving that wonderfully creamy texture. If it’s too hard, your cookies won’t mix well. If it’s melted, they might spread too much while baking.
- Mixing Technique: When you’re creaming the butter and sugar, keep an eye on your mixing time. You want it to be light and fluffy, but don’t overmix after you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Chill the Dough: If you find that your dough is too soft to shape, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close watch on your cookies as they bake. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers might look a bit soft—that’s perfectly fine! They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Storing Your Cookies: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for more than a week, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
With these tips in your baking arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious holiday cookies that everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies, let’s talk about how to enjoy them to the fullest! These cookies are not just a treat on their own; they pair beautifully with various beverages and can even make wonderful gifts!
- With Tea or Coffee: There’s something truly comforting about enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The buttery flavor of the shortbread complements the richness of your favorite brew perfectly. I love having a cozy afternoon break with a few cookies and a steaming mug—it feels like a little slice of holiday joy!
- Holiday Gift Packaging: If you’re looking to share the love this season, consider packaging these cookies as gifts! Place them in festive tins or boxes, wrap with a pretty ribbon, and attach a heartfelt note. They make lovely homemade gifts that friends and family will appreciate, and who doesn’t love receiving delicious treats?
- As a Dessert Table Addition: These cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert table. Arrange them alongside other sweets like brownies, fudge, or fruit tarts for a colorful and varied spread. Trust me, they’ll be a hit at parties!
- Decorate with Glaze: Want to elevate your shortbread? Consider drizzling a simple glaze over the cookies after they’ve cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla until you reach a drizzling consistency. It adds a lovely touch and makes them look extra festive!
- With Ice Cream: For a special treat, enjoy these cookies crumbled over a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The warm, buttery flavor and crunchy texture create a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible!
Whatever way you choose to enjoy or share these cookies, I promise they’ll bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking and happy holidays!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries about making 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use salted butter?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter on hand, go ahead and use it. Just keep in mind that it might add a slight salty flavor, which can be delicious in its own right. You may want to reduce the added salt in any other recipes you might be using it in later on!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to customize your cookies by folding in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit right after you mix in the flour. Just remember that adding too many mix-ins can change the texture, so keep it balanced!
Why are my cookies too crumbly?
If your cookies are turning out too crumbly, it could be because the dough needs more moisture. Try adding a tiny bit of milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough holds together better. Make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly, too!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 blend that’s meant for baking. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
How can I make these cookies festive?
To add a festive touch, consider sprinkling colored sugar or edible glitter on top before baking. You can also drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk after they cool. They’ll look as good as they taste!
I hope this FAQ section helps you with your baking journey! Enjoy making these delightful cookies, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions!
Print
4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies for Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted.
- Do not overmix the dough.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: 4 ingredient christmas shortbread cookies
