Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe

This Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe is an absolute delight for anyone who loves buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that bring a festive sparkle to any gathering. These charming little bites combine rich, cold butter with just the right touch of sweetness and almond extract, all brightened by colorful sprinkles that make them irresistible both in flavor and presentation. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these shortbread bites are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite and a new staple in your festive baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step in creating your perfect Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy texture butter brings, to the delicate almond flavor and the crunch of sugar, right down to the festive sprinkle touch that brightens every bite.

• Salted butter (1 cup, cold and diced): Cold butter gives the shortbread a tender, flaky texture that melts perfectly in your mouth.
• Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds just the right sweetness without overpowering the buttery base.
• Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): A small amount brings a subtle, nutty aroma that elevates the flavor elegantly.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure and the classic crumbly, buttery feel of shortbread.
• Sprinkles (3 tablespoons, divided): They make these bites festive and visually exciting, adding a fun crunch to every bite.

How to Make Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by greasing a 13×9-inch baking dish thoroughly and lining it with parchment paper to ensure your shortbread bites come out cleanly and hold their delicate shape.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to cream the cold, diced butter with the granulated sugar until they combine into a smooth, slightly fluffy mixture. This step is key to getting the right texture.

Step 3: Add Almond Extract

Stir in the almond extract until fully incorporated so the shortbread will have that signature warming, nutty aroma we all love during the holidays.

Step 4: Mix in Flour

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. It may seem dry and crumbly at first, but with gentle mixing, it will come together into a dough. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon or two of milk to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold 2 1/2 tablespoons of the sprinkles into the dough to distribute those festive pops of color throughout the cookie.

Step 6: Press Dough into Pan

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish with your hands or a spatula. Make sure it’s compacted so your shortbread bites hold together beautifully after baking.

Step 7: Add Topping Sprinkles

Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles liberally over the top of the dough and press them in lightly to embed them into the surface — adding an extra burst of holiday cheer.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let the dough chill for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps the shortbread hold its shape during baking and yields a nicely firm texture.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s ready once the dough is chilled and cut.

Step 10: Cut into Squares

Remove the chilled dough from the baking dish and slice it into 1/2-inch squares using a sharp knife. The uniform size ensures even baking throughout.

Step 11: Bake in Batches

Place about a third of the squares on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Keep the remaining squares refrigerated while the first batch bakes to retain their firmness.

Step 12: Repeat Baking

Bake the remaining squares in batches, allowing each tray to cool on the baking sheet after removing from the oven to set their shape and texture.

Step 13: Cool and Store

Let the shortbread bites cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container, ensuring they retain their delightful crumbly texture and freshness.

How to Serve Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra festive colored sugar or edible glitter on top for an eye-catching presentation that will impress guests instantly. You can also lightly dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday effect.

Side Dishes

These shortbread bites pair beautifully with a cup of hot spiced tea, rich coffee, or a smooth hot chocolate. For a festive occasion, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light whipped cream to balance their buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe in a decorative tin or on a tiered dessert platter for a charming gift or party centerpiece. Wrapping a few bites in cellophane tied with a red ribbon makes for a delightful homemade holiday gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your shortbread bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly buttery and crumbly for up to a week — great for prepping ahead of time for holiday gatherings.

Freezing

If you want to make these treats well in advance, freeze the baked shortbread bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly.

Reheating

Shortbread bites are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently heat in a 300-degree F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the almond extract with vanilla?

Absolutely! Vanilla extract works wonderfully and will give the shortbread a classic, comforting flavor, though almond adds a unique festive twist.

Why is my dough crumbling and dry?

This dough tends to be crumbly at first, but gentle mixing and adding a teaspoon or two of milk can help bring it together. Be careful not to over-mix for a tender texture.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, but if you do, add a pinch of salt to the dough to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

How should I store the shortbread bites to keep their texture?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture. This keeps them crisp and perfect for several days.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a touch of cinnamon can add a lovely seasonal twist to this Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the simplicity and festive cheer packed into this Holiday Shortbread Bites Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy through baking, creating moments that linger in both taste and memory. I truly hope you give this recipe a whirl — it’s an instant classic that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy sighs around your holiday table!

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