There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? These 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies are a delightful way to spread joy and warmth in your home. I remember my grandmother making these simple yet heavenly cookies each year, filling the kitchen with the sweet scent of butter and sugar. It’s such a comforting tradition! With just four ingredients, you’ll find this recipe to be incredibly easy and perfect for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. Plus, they make for great little gifts wrapped in pretty boxes or tied with festive ribbons! Trust me, your family and friends will adore these buttery delights, and you’ll love how quick and fuss-free they are to whip up. Let’s dive into the goodness of holiday baking together!
Ingredients for 4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these wonderful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps it blend smoothly with the sugar, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. I prefer using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness of the cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This sugar adds that lovely sweetness and a hint of creaminess. Sifting it before using can help to avoid any lumps, ensuring a smooth dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: A good quality flour makes all the difference. It’s the backbone of our cookies, providing structure and that delightful crumb. When measuring, I like to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. It’s amazing how such a small amount can elevate the taste of your cookies!
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best results. You’ll notice the difference in taste, and it makes the baking experience all the more enjoyable! Happy baking!
How to Prepare 4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started on these delightful cookies! Follow these simple steps to ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable:
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, as you want the cookies to bake evenly.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, add your softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s what gives your cookies that lovely texture!
- Add the flour and salt: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together without being too tough.
- Shape the cookies: Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each ball, as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Flatten the cookies: Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each ball to flatten them a bit. This will help them bake evenly and give that classic shortbread look.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn a light golden brown. This is when they are perfectly baked!
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and keeps them from getting soggy.
Tips for Success
Now that you know the steps, here are a few handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Butter temperature matters: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. It should be cool to the touch but still pliable. If it’s too soft, your cookies may spread too much!
- Don’t skip the parchment paper: Using parchment paper on your baking sheet ensures the cookies won’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so your cookies might bake a little faster or slower than the suggested time. Start checking them at the 15-minute mark.
- Let them cool properly: Cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to firm up. If you try to move them too soon, they may break apart.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious, buttery shortbread cookies that will bring warmth and joy to your holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies recipe is truly a gem! Here’s why you’ll adore making these delightful treats:
- Simplicity: With just four ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to remember and prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these cookies up in about 30 minutes, making them a great last-minute addition to your festive gatherings.
- Delicious Taste: These cookies deliver a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth, bringing back nostalgic memories of holiday baking.
- Versatile: You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings, making each batch uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Gifting: They’re lovely for holiday gift-giving! Wrap them in pretty bags or boxes, and you’ll have sweet gifts ready to share.
Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
Nutritional Information
Each of these delightful 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies packs a comforting flavor while being relatively easy on the waistline. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose, like using margarine instead of butter or opting for different types of flour. Enjoy these cookies as a sweet treat, especially during the festive season!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When it comes to baking these 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies, flexibility is key! If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, feel free to substitute margarine; just keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly, but they’ll still be delicious! For those who need a gluten-free option, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works beautifully and maintains the cookie’s texture.
Want to elevate the flavor? Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for a lovely twist. You could even mix in a bit of finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous! Don’t hesitate to get creative with your flavors and textures—this recipe is a wonderful base that can adapt to your taste preferences. Happy baking and enjoy the process!
Serving Suggestions
These 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies are delightful on their own, but there are a few fun ways to serve them that can make your holiday gatherings even more special! Consider presenting them on a festive platter alongside a warm cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday tea. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet indulgent dessert. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, arrange them in beautifully wrapped boxes or tins, adding a personal touch with a handwritten note. They make for charming gifts that spread cheer and warmth during the holidays!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your 4 ingredient Christmas shortbread cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to two months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, there’s no need to thaw—just take them out and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help restore that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture!
FAQ Section
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to a pinch, so the cookies don’t become too salty.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a light golden color on the edges. They may look slightly undercooked in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still achieve that delightful texture.
What if I want to add flavors?
Feel free to add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor, or even some chocolate chips for a treat!
How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between layers.
4 Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies: A Cozy Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delightful shortbread cookies made with just four ingredients, perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the flour and salt to the mixture, and mix until well combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving or storing.
Notes
- You can substitute margarine for butter if needed.
- Try using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: 4 ingredient christmas shortbread cookies, easy christmas cookies, simple shortbread recipe
