Description
These classic Christmas Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfectly sweetened with a touch of vanilla bean paste. They are chilled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection, then topped with melted white chocolate and colorful holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Decoration
- 1 ½ cups Ghirardelli white chocolate wafers or vanilla almond bark, melted
- ¼ cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla bean paste and mix thoroughly until fully blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the butter mixture. Mix until combined. If the dough remains crumbly, use your hands to fully bring it together into a cohesive dough.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a 12-inch log. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Slice and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When chilled, slice the dough log into thin rounds and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 14 minutes or until the edges just begin to lightly brown.
- Decorate Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely. Spread a small amount of melted white chocolate or vanilla almond bark on each cookie, then immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Let set for about 15 minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- If vanilla bean paste is unavailable, substitute with the seeds scraped from a whole vanilla bean for an intense vanilla flavor.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Thaw before decorating with melted white chocolate and sprinkles.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy slicing and maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
