The holidays are a time for comfort, joy, and sharing homemade treats with loved ones.
One of the most delightful holiday bakes is classic Christmas shortbread—simple, buttery, and delicious! This traditional Scottish favorite brings a festive twist to your holiday table with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and light, crumbly sweetness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. So let’s dive into a recipe that’s perfect for cozy holiday baking sessions!
Christmas Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 110g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 360g plain flour
- Optional: festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or orange zest for a seasonal flavor boost
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or Gas Mark 5. This will give your shortbread a perfectly golden finish without over-baking.
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar: Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Add the Flour: Gradually mix in the flour until you achieve a soft dough. Don’t overwork the dough; too much mixing can make your shortbread tough rather than tender.
- Roll Out and Shape: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1cm thick. Use festive cookie cutters—stars, trees, or hearts add a whimsical touch to these holiday treats. Place the shapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill and Bake: Pop the tray in the fridge for 20 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape. Then bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re a light golden color. Keep an eye on them; they should be just lightly browned.
- Cool and Sprinkle: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. While still slightly warm, sprinkle with extra caster sugar for a beautiful, frosty finish.
- Serve or Gift: Once cooled, your shortbread is ready to serve. Stack them up in a festive tin or wrap them in cellophane with a bow for a charming holiday gift.
Tips for Perfect Shortbread
- Use High-Quality Butter: The rich flavor of the butter is the heart of shortbread, so it’s worth using the best you can find.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handling the dough too much can make your shortbread tough rather than crumbly.
- Chill Before Baking: This helps the cookies keep their shape in the oven and results in that perfect, tender crumb.
Why Make Shortbread for Christmas?
Shortbread has an amazing history that dates back centuries in Scotland, symbolizing warmth and hospitality. It’s the ultimate treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee during those chilly winter afternoons. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for a fun family activity that even kids will enjoy. Decorating the shortbread with sprinkles, chocolate, or edible glitter adds an extra festive touch.
Enjoy the Season with Homemade Goodness
Nothing says “home for the holidays” quite like the comforting aroma of fresh-baked shortbread. So gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and create a batch of these holiday treats to share with family and friends. This Christmas shortbread is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tastes it!
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, sweetness, and joy!