Description
These Christmas Shortbread Cookies deliver a perfectly buttery and tender bite, ideal for the holiday season. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. With helpful tips for achieving the ideal crumbly texture and a light golden finish, they are sure to become a festive favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the shortbread cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, providing the base for your dough.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts thoroughly to infuse your dough with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms without overworking it to maintain tenderness.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness, setting the stage for perfectly thin, crisp cookies.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into your preferred festive shapes, making each cookie uniquely charming.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the cut cookie shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden on the edges, signaling perfect doneness.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or decorating to ensure they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best dough consistency.
- Do not over-mix the dough to keep cookies tender and crumbly.
- Chill dough if too soft before rolling out to make cutting shapes easier.
- Baking time may vary slightly based on oven; watch for light golden edges.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
