Description
These Holiday Shortbread Bites are buttery, tender, and festive treats perfect for the holiday season. Flavored with almond extract and adorned with colorful sprinkles, they are easy to make and delightful to share. The recipe involves making a simple shortbread dough, chilling it, and baking to golden perfection, yielding perfectly portioned bite-sized squares.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup salted butter (cold and diced)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sprinkles (divided)
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the shortbread after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the cold diced butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add almond extract: Stir in the almond extract until fully incorporated into the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
- Incorporate flour: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour until combined. The dough may initially appear dry and crumbly; add 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk if needed to help bring the dough together.
- Add sprinkles: Fold in 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of sprinkles evenly into the dough, distributing color and festive charm throughout.
- Press dough into dish: Firmly press the dough flat and even into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even thickness across the surface.
- Top with sprinkles: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon (or more if desired) of sprinkles evenly over the top of the dough. Press them gently into the surface.
- Chill the dough: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps maintain the shape during baking.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cut dough into squares: Remove the chilled dough from the dish and cut it into 1/2 inch squares with a sharp knife.
- Bake in batches: Transfer approximately one-third of the squares onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden, keeping the remaining squares chilled until ready to bake.
- Repeat baking: Repeat the baking process with the remaining squares, ensuring each batch is fully baked and golden.
- Cool completely: Allow the shortbread bites to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add milk a teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the shortbread maintain its shape and results in a crumbly, tender texture.
- Use cold butter for best texture and easy handling.
- Customize sprinkles based on holiday themes or personal preference.
- Store shortbread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
