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Get ready to jingle all the way to the kitchen, because we’ve put together our favourite 20 delicious Christmas shortbread cookie recipes that’ll knock your stockings off!
We’re talking buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that Santa himself can’t resist!
Baking shortbread cookies is one of our family Christmas traditions, and each year we pick a new one to try out.
You’ll find tasty Christmas cookie recipes here that’ll range from nutty, fruity, savoury or chocolaty delights to spicy gingerbread and classic whipped shortbreads. Then after these spectacular morsels you’ll also find some tips for cookie supplies you’ll need to gather.
Table of Contents
Best Christmas Shortbread Cookie Recipes
These classic Christmas cookies make fantastic options for cookie exchanges, parties or as gifts (if they even last that long). For everyone on your nice list.
We’ve rounded up our favorite Christmas cookie recipes so you can easily find some quick and easy cookies to throw together as needed.
⭐️ We love using our Kitchen Aid, as it makes whipping up shortbread super quick and easy.
1. Cute Shortbread Snowman Cookies
Adorable Shortbread Snowman Cookies will get anyone in the festive mood. The cookies themselves have only a few ingredients for the cookie dough + fun accessories. Be sure to grab snowman shaped cookie cutters.
We have more easy no bake Christmas treats for kids, they’ll love.
2. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with Walnuts
These festive cranberry orange shortbread cookies are even more delightful with added walnuts. We skip the walnuts if we need a nut free version for school or parties.
3. Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies
Unleash holiday joy with these buttery, crisp brown sugar shortbread cookies. Stamped to holiday perfection, they’re a crumbly delight in every merry mouthful. Switch up your cookie stamps for an appealing cookie tray.
4. Raspberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
A delightful dance of flavours await with a taste of raspberry shortbread thumbprint cookies. Buttery goodness meets zesty berry in a holiday dance of deliciousness. A touch of powdered sugar glaze elevates it.
These would make perfect Holiday gifts for neighbours, friends, host gifts or fun Valentine’s sweet treats too.
5. Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies are a year round family favorite over here.
There’s something so delightful about maple syrup, butter and pecans rolled together into a crunchy & golden brown on the outside & soft buttery cookieson the inside.
As kids, my family’s favourite cookies were always the shortbread ones in fun shapes. Stacked high in green tupperware containers, my mom would try to hide them in the laundry room, but we’d try and sneak them throughout the holiday season when she wasn’t looking.
⭐️ You may also like our fun Christmas morning breakfast ideas for families
6. Almond Roca Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in Almond Roca Shortbread cookies. Packed with toffee and almonds, crowned with creamy milk chocolate, they’re a unique treat that screams delicious decadence. Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
🎄 You may also like our 40+ Kid Friendly Holiday Recipes
7. Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies
If you were ever on the fence about shortbread cookies, then these flavourful Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies will change your mind. Spiced to perfection and elegantly draped in a dreamy egg nog glaze. A festive flavor explosion.
8. Classic Whipped Shortbread
Sometimes you just need to satisy your nostalgic sweet tooth. These classic easy whipped shortbread cookies are just what you’re looking for. Add a bit of candied cherry on top instead of sprinkles if your childhood is calling you back.
Baking cookies is one of our family Christmas traditions we highly recommend for your family too.
Make our favourite peppermint hot chocolate recipe to go with these tasty cookies.
9. Pan de Polvo (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)
Pan de Polvo: Dive into the zesty world of Mexican shortbread! Made with lard, instead of butter, these cookies pack a warm-spiced punch of anise, clove, and cinnamon.
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10. Double Dipped Chocolate Shortbread
Double Dipped Chocolate Shortbread a chocolate lover’s dream. The powdered sugar gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture and the rich chocolate taste is boosted by semi-sweet chips.
11. Orange Shortbread Cookies (Gluten Free)
Gluten-free, buttery balls with a zesty twist! Experience a playful tango of tart and tang in each delightful bite of these iced Orange Shortbread. Perfect for those who need a gluten free, nut free, and eggless Christmas cookie.
12. Earl Grey Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Earl Grey Christmas Shortbread are simple, 5-ingredient wonders. Chill, bake, and enjoy sweet citrus taste paired with subtle tea flavour for a holiday delight.
13. Olive Oil Rosemary Shortbread
For a unique take on shortbread these Olive Oil & Rosemary shortbread are a surprising combo. The perfect blend of a sweet and savoury treat, with a hint of lemon.
I love how light the texture is and how well they actually work together.
14. 3 – Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
These 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies, are effortless, fun and gluten-free. Perfect for holiday kitchen adventures with kids. Cornstarch, condensed milk, and butter make a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Anything with condense milk, sign me up! They’re also known as “sequilhos” or “Maizena” cookies, popular in Brazil.
15. Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Shortbread
Chocolate Dipped Pistachio Shortbread; buttery bites meet crunchy pistachios, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with a zest of orange for a festive flavor fiesta.
Easy to do, yet people will think you spent days making them.
16. Alfajores de Maicena (Peruvian Shortbread Cookies)
Alfajores de Maicena are a South American cookie gem. Decadent dulce de leche is sandwiched between shortbread medallions with a hint of orange and dusting of powdered sugar. A treat that trasncends borders.
17. Shortbread Wreath Cookies
Could these festive Shortbread Wreaths be any cuter? I think not.
Spice up your traditional shortbread recipe with a little color and shape. These would be ideal on a cookie platter for work or parties. Along with some cute holiday appetizers for kids & adults.
18. Peanut Butter Shortbread
Peanut Butter Shortbread Cookies are crispy, light delights bursting with rich peanut flavor. Cut them into fun irresistible bites that scream festive eats!
19. Lemon Shortbread Cookies
I love anything lemon and this Lemon Shortbread recipe hits all the tangy goodness you need. Buttery dough and a zesty glaze make these a hit any day of the week.
20. Matcha Christmas Tree Cookies
This one’s for my youngest who loves matcha.
These Matcha Christmas Cookies are delightfully tree shaped and coloured naturally with matcha. Crisp, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness.
What You’ll Need For Your Shortbread Christmas Cookies
Shortbread are easy Christmas cookies that use just a few simple ingredients and tools.
Typically the cookie ingredients you’ll need include:
- Flour: All purpose flour, Rice Flour, Gluten Free Flour
- Vanilla extract
- Sugar: White sugar, brown sugar, or powdered sugar (aka confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar)
- Softened Butter (Salted of Unsalted butter to your preference)
- Mix-ins: Chocolate Chips, Nuts, Dried Fruit
- Decoration: Holiday sprinkles,candy
The tools you’ll need:
- Baking sheet / Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone baking sheets
- Rolling Pin
- Measuring cup
- Large bowl
- Electric Mixer, Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer ( We love our Kitchen Aid)
- Cookie Cutters / Cookie Molds
- Wire Rack for cooling
Festive Shortbread Christmas Cookies To Get You In The Holiday Spirit
And there you have it, cookie enthusiasts! A delightful sleigh ride through 15 festive shortbread wonders destined to sprinkle your holiday with cheer.
Each recipe is a ticket to a world where buttery goodness dances with unique, delightful flavors, creating a holiday treat that’s nothing short of spectacular.
So, preheat those ovens, roll up your sleeves, and let the merry baking begin! Here’s to filling your home with the irresistible aroma of Christmas joy. Happy Christmas baking!
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