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5.0 from 18 votes

Easy Christmas Shortbread Cookies

These classic holiday cookies are easy to make using a handful of pantry staples.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 126 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Shortbread cookies ingredients:
  • 1 cup (227g) butter softened
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (256g) flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Frosting ingredients (optional):
  • 2 cups (224g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Instructions

To make the cookies;
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350F / 176C.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat together butter, sugar and vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  5. Add the combined dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix well.
  6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  7. Then roll out the dough to half-inch thick, use cookie cutters to cut into festive shapes and transfer to cookie sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bottom is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire baking rack to cool.
To make the frosting (optional);
  1. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup. Add food coloring if desired, or leave it white as I did.
  2. When cookies are completely cooled, add the frosting and top with festive sprinkles.

Notes

  • There are 6 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving.
  •  
  • Beat the butter and sugar well but avoid overmixing the dough when you add the additional ingredients. Just mix enough to incorporate everything.
  • Be sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling and work quickly once you begin to roll out the cookies. If the dough gets too soft, pop it into the freezer for a few minutes before proceeding.
  • Leave about 1-inch between the dough shapes to allow them room to spread while baking.
  • You can also refrigerate the cut shapes on the cookie sheet for 20-30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and ensure even cooking.
  • Avoid overbaking the cookies.

Nutrition Information

Calories 126kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 116mg (5%) Potassium 13mg (0%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 236IU (5%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 126

% Daily Value*

Calories 126kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 116mg 5%
Potassium 13mg 0%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 236IU 5%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.