The Jolly 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Magical Christmas shortbread cookies bring festive cheer with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Sweet memories dance through simple ingredients waiting to become something special.

Butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla combine in a delightful holiday symphony.

Crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth texture promise pure comfort and joy.

Kitchen adventures await with this uncomplicated treat that celebrates seasonal warmth.

Minimal steps and maximum flavor make these cookies perfect for spontaneous baking moments.

Let’s create delectable memories that sparkle brighter than holiday lights.

What Makes 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Special

• Craft Festive Cookies: Create stunning Christmas shortbread cookies with just four simple ingredients, making holiday baking a breeze for everyone.
• Speedy Preparation: Mix, shape, and bake these delightful treats quickly, perfect for busy families or last-minute holiday gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Impress guests and loved ones with these visually appealing cookies that combine classic shortbread texture with a cheerful maraschino cherry centerpiece.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: Engage children in a fun cooking activity that allows them to help roll dough, create thumb prints, and place cherries, making memories together.

Ingredients Needed in 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the shortbread cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: A fine sugar that helps create a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness in the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their classic shortbread texture.

• Maraschino Cherries: A vibrant and sweet topping that adds a festive pop of color and extra flavor to the shortbread cookies.

• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for smooth cookie release.

Step 2: Whip the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Whisk for about 2-3 minutes until super fluffy.

Step 3: Fold in the Flour

Slowly add flour to the buttery mixture. Gently mix until the dough starts forming.

Use your hands to shape the dough into a perfect ball.

Step 4: Roll Delicate Dough Balls

Create small, adorable dough balls about 1 inch wide.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie with room to breathe.

Step 5: Create Cherry Centers

Softly press your thumb or a tiny spoon into each dough ball to make a cute little nest.

Nestle a bright maraschino cherry half right in the center.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden color. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them firm up beautifully.

Step 8: Savor the Festive Treat

Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that combine buttery richness with a sweet cherry surprise. A perfect holiday nibble that’ll make everyone smile!

Tips to Perfect 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Leave butter out 30-45 minutes before baking to reach perfect room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing.
• Use powdered sugar instead of granulated to create a more delicate, tender shortbread texture that holds together beautifully.
• Gently press cherry halves into cookie centers right after baking to ensure they stick without sinking completely into the dough.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally prepared.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Creative Twists on 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

• Chocolate Cherry Shortbread: Replace maraschino cherry with dark chocolate chips pressed into cookie centers for a rich, decadent version.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap half the flour with ground almonds or pecans to create a nuttier, more textured shortbread with added protein and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can still enjoy these festive cookies.
• Citrus Zest Variation: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the buttery base and creates a lighter holiday treat.

Pairing Suggestions with 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies

A warm, spiced red wine complements the buttery sweetness of these Christmas shortbread cookies, creating a cozy holiday flavor experience that enhances the cherry’s fruity notes.

The rich, smooth espresso drink balances the cookie’s delicate texture, with vanilla undertones that beautifully highlight the shortbread’s subtle sweetness and cherry accent.

Sparkling wine adds a luxurious touch to these festive cookies, cutting through the buttery richness while providing an elegant contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.

A warming, spiced tea complements the cookie’s delicate flavor profile, with cinnamon notes that perfectly match the holiday spirit of these cherry-topped shortbreads.

Storing 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Safely

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent moisture buildup.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for these Christmas shortbread cookies?

You’ll need butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and maraschino cherries. Four simple ingredients create these delicious holiday treats.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before baking. This makes holiday baking more convenient and allows the flavors to develop.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

Festive Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe with Four Basic Ingredients

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Classic Christmas Shortbread Cookies blend buttery richness with festive cheer, delivering pure holiday magic in each delicate bite. Simple ingredients create a melt-in-your-mouth treat you’ll cherish during seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Garnish:

• Maraschino cherries (halved)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent cookie sticking and simplify post-baking cleanup.
2. Using a mixing bowl, whip softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency, which requires approximately 2-3 minutes of blending.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the butter-sugar mixture, gently combining until the dough coheres. Use hands to compress the mixture into a unified ball if necessary.
4. Craft uniform dough spheres roughly 1 inch in diameter, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing to accommodate potential expansion.
5. Delicately imprint each dough ball’s center using a thumb or small spoon, creating a subtle indentation designed to cradle a vibrant maraschino cherry half.
6. Transfer the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing cookies to transform for 10-12 minutes until edges acquire a delicate golden hue. Monitor carefully to prevent excessive browning.
7. After removing from the oven, permit cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet before transitioning them to a wire cooling rack, enabling complete temperature reduction and structural stabilization.
8. Once thoroughly cooled, these delicate shortbread morsels are primed for consumption, offering a sublime blend of buttery richness and festive cherry accent.

Notes

• Softened butter is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture, so let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
• Use a light hand when mixing the flour to prevent the cookies from becoming tough and dense.
• Maraschino cherries can be swapped with other festive toppings like colored sprinkles or crushed nuts for variety.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for better binding.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg