4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking. The aroma of fresh cookies wafting through the kitchen instantly brings back memories of family traditions and holiday cheer. One of my favorite go-to recipes for Christmas is these simple yet delicious 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies. I recently made them for a holiday party, and they were an instant hit! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are topped with a vibrant maraschino cherry, adding the perfect pop of color and flavor. The simplicity of the recipe makes it a breeze to whip up, and they come together in no time. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to add a festive touch to your treat collection, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Everyone, from the kids to the adults, loved them, and I bet your family and friends will too!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Maraschino cherries (halved)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important for getting that smooth, buttery texture in your cookies.
3. Add the Flour
   Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix it together until the dough comes together. You should have a smooth and slightly crumbly dough that holds together well when pressed.
4. Shape the Dough
   Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space the balls out evenly so they have room to spread as they bake.
5. Create the Indentations
   Gently press each ball with your thumb or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. This will hold the maraschino cherry and give the cookie a beautiful, festive look.
6. Add the Maraschino Cherry
   Take a maraschino cherry half and place it gently in the center of each cookie. The bright red cherry adds the perfect splash of color and a sweet, fruity contrast to the buttery shortbread.
7. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures may vary slightly. The cookies should still be soft when they come out of the oven, but will firm up as they cool.
8. Cool the Cookies
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly without breaking apart.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Once cooled, these festive cookies are ready to enjoy! They’re the perfect combination of buttery shortbread and sweet maraschino cherry, with just the right amount of sweetness to please everyone at your holiday gathering.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120 (approximate, depending on size and type of maraschino cherry used)

• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes

How to Serve

• At a Holiday Party: Serve these cookies on a festive tray at your next holiday party. The bright maraschino cherry on top makes them a visually appealing treat.
• With Hot Drinks: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful treat during the colder months.
• As a Gift: These cookies make a perfect gift for neighbors, friends, or coworkers. Just package them in a decorative tin or jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet snack with a glass of milk for an easy treat that’s both simple and satisfying.

Additional Tips

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best mixing results. This ensures a smooth texture and helps the dough come together more easily.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
3. Substitute Cherries: If you prefer a different topping, you can substitute the maraschino cherries with other fruits such as raspberries or strawberries, or even small chocolate chips for a twist.
4. Customize the Dough: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to handle.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Dipped Shortbread: After baking and cooling, dip the edges of the shortbread cookies in melted chocolate for a chocolatey twist.
• Mini Shortbread Bites: Make smaller versions of these cookies by rolling the dough into ½-inch balls instead of 1-inch. Adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent overbaking.
• Lemon Shortbread: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery shortbread.
• Nutty Shortbread: For a crunchy contrast, add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the dough before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• On a Holiday Cookie Platter: Serve these Christmas shortbread cookies alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and candy canes for a festive assortment.
• With Ice Cream: Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combination.
• With Fruit: Pair the cookies with fresh fruit, like apple slices or grapes, for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the shortbread.
• As a Party Favor: Package these cookies in cute boxes or bags as a sweet party favor for your guests to take home.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful, ready for you to enjoy.
• Freezing: These shortbread cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
• Freeze the Dough: You can also freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply bake the dough directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt in the dough. However, if you use salted butter, you can reduce the added salt by half.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
3. Can I use a different type of cherry?
   Yes, you can use fresh cherries, glacé cherries, or even candied fruit as a topping. Maraschino cherries are used for their vibrant color and sweetness, but any cherry will work.
4. What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
   If the dough feels too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk at a time until it comes together. Be careful not to add too much liquid.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re baking for a larger crowd. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets for all the cookies.
6. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
7. What should I do if the dough is too soft to handle?
   If the dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
8. How long should I bake these cookies?
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them.
9. Can I make these cookies without the maraschino cherries?
   Yes, you can omit the cherries and simply bake the shortbread cookies as is. They’re still delicious on their own.
10. How can I make these cookies more festive?
    Add colored sprinkles, holiday-themed sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate over the cookies to make them even more festive!

Conclusion

These 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and a pop of vibrant cherry, they’re sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with your family, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delightful—what more could you want from a holiday cookie recipe?

Print