13 Buttery Shortbread Cookie Recipes for Christmas

Written by Abby Murphy in Holiday Recipes

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The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, baking! Buttery shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that anyone can create and share during this special time of year. Their rich flavor and crumbly texture make them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray. Let’s dive into 13 scrumptious shortbread cookie recipes that will warm your heart and home this Christmas!

Classic Buttery Shortbread

Simple and delightful, these traditional shortbread cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Process:

  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  2. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
  3. Roll out dough and cut into shapes; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  • Create a citrus version by incorporating lemon or orange zest.

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Indulge your chocolate cravings with these deliciously decadent cookies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Process:

  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add flour, mix until a dough forms, then chill for 30 minutes.
  3. Roll, cut, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes. Dip in melted chocolate.

Make it Unique:

  • Use white chocolate for dipping instead of dark.
  • Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a festive touch.

Almond Shortbread

Nutty and fragrant, these cookies offer a twist on a classic recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Process:

  1. Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl.
  2. Fold in flour and almonds until combined.
  3. Shape into logs, chill, slice, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add almond extract for an extra almond flavor.
  • Sprinkle with sugar before baking for a sweet finish.

Maple Shortbread

Sweet and rich, these cookies capture the essence of the season.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Process:

  1. Beat together butter and maple syrup until smooth.
  2. Gradually add flour and salt; mix until a dough is formed.
  3. Roll and cut shapes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Top with crushed pecans for added texture.
  • Drizzle additional maple syrup after baking for extra sweetness.

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

A fruity twist on traditional shortbread, these bars are a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup raspberry jam

Process:

  1. Cream butter and sugar until light; add flour and mix until combined.
  2. Press half of the dough into a baking pan, spread jam on top, then crumble remaining dough over.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Substitute raspberry jam with strawberry or apricot.
  • Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a tangy flavor.

Gingerbread Shortbread

These cookies combine the flavors of gingerbread with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Process:

  1. Mix butter and brown sugar until fluffy; add ginger and flour.
  2. Form into a dough, chill, then roll and cut shapes.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add nutmeg and cloves for a spicier flavor.
  • Coat in white chocolate for a festive finish.

Lavender Shortbread

These cookies infuse floral notes for a sophisticated treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons culinary lavender

Process:

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
  2. Add flour and lavender; mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Shape cookies, chop, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Use lemon zest for a citrus twist.
  • Drizzle with lemon glaze after baking.

Pistachio Shortbread

Packed with flavor, these cookies have a delightful crunch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios

Process:

  1. Cream together butter and powder sugar.
  2. Mix in flour and pistachios until the dough forms.
  3. Shape and chill before slicing and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Substituting half the pistachios with chopped chocolate gives a nice contrast.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom for warmth.

Mocha Shortbread

These cookies are an indulgent treat for coffee lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

Process:

  1. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then mix in cocoa and coffee.
  2. Add flour and stir until combined.
  3. Shape, chill, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Lemon Shortbread

Light and refreshing, these cookies are a citrus lover’s delight.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Process:

  1. Cream butter and sugar; add lemon zest followed by flour.
  2. Form the dough, chill, then roll and cut.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Incorporate a lemon icing for added sweetness.
  • Add poppy seeds for texture.

Coconut Shortbread

Get a taste of the tropics with these delightful coconut-infused cookies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Process:

  1. Cream together butter and sugar; stir in flour and coconut.
  2. Shape the dough, chill, slice, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Dip in chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • Use flavored extracts like coconut or vanilla.

Matcha Shortbread

A trendsetting flavor that’s both unique and tasty.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons matcha powder

Process:

  1. Cream together butter and sugar; mix in matcha and flour.
  2. Press into a baking pan, chill, then cut and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Pair with white chocolate for a delightful contrast.
  • Serve with a side of green tea for a full experience.

Orange Shortbread Cookies

Citrusy and sweet, these cookies are a festive delight.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Zest of 1 orange

Process:

  1. Beat butter and sugar; combine in orange zest followed by flour.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes; bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Make it Unique:

  • Add a splash of orange juice for moisture.
  • Sprinkle with sugar before baking for a sparkling finish.

Ready to fill your holiday season with flavor? With these 13 buttery shortbread cookie recipes, you’ll have plenty of delicious options to choose from. Create one or all, and share them with loved ones for a wonderfully sweet and festive treat this Christmas! Happy baking!

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