These Simple Christmas Shortbread Cookies are vanilla butter cookies with all natural tree sprinkles that don't use any artificial colors. These festive cookies are
If you're looking for more holiday cookies, try some of my other favorites like my Frosted Gingerbread Cookies, Chocolate Peppermint YiaYia Cookies, or my Candy Cane Crunch Dark Chocolate Cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I created this Simple Christmas Shortbread Cookie recipe to take me back to this time when I reveled in the simplest of cookies. I added natural Christmas tree sprinkles on top of a truly simple vanilla shortbread for a festive and simple Christmas cookie that will fit into any cookie box or be loved by anyone you make them for.
These classic vanilla shortbread cookies use just a few simple ingredients, which makes them quick and easy. With the holidays coming up, it's great to have a quick and easy holiday cookie recipe in your back pocket, and this is it!
Tips for Simple Christmas Shortbread Cookies
• Make sure to use very soft butter for these cookies as this really matters for the texture of the cookies. I know it can be incredibly difficult this time of year to soften butter naturally on the counter, as it's cold! But, make sure that you are still using soft butter before starting this recipe. I would recommend leaving butter out on the counter the night before, and then softening in the microwave until it is soft. Do not do more than 10 seconds per 1/2 cup of butter at once.
• This recipe has very few ingredients so they all really matter, especially the butter! Use a high quality organic butter, my favorite is Organic Valley.
• Same goes for powdered sugar, make sure to use a high quality organic powdered sugar. Florida Crystals, Woodstock Farm, or Wholesome are all excellent choices. Always make sure to sift your powdered sugar. This is just an ingredient that needs to be sifted all the time, no matter what! It can clump easily, and have a large negative affect on your baked goods if it's not sifted.
• Vanilla extract also matters, as this is the main flavor profile for these cookies. My favorite is Simply Organic, find it here.
• I use ColorKitchen Foods natural tree sprinkles, find here. These are made without artificial colors and use plant based dyes, so they are the best option for sprinkles. Plus, you can bake them as well!
Ingredients for Simple Christmas Shortbread Cookies
Florida Crystals Organic Powdered Sugar
Simply Organic Vanilla Extract
Cairnspring Mills Organic All Purpose Flour
ColorKitchen Foods Christmas Tree Sprinkles
Why Organic
Why use organic ingredients in this recipe? You all know I’m a huge organic advocate, and I bet you may be thinking sometimes, Why would I even bother to use organic ingredients in something that is so sweet and indulgent? But, that is the exact reason why you should use organic ingredients! Sweet things need to have flavor in order to be good, otherwise they are just sweet and they don’t taste like much else. Organic ingredients are more pure than conventional ones, therefore they actually have more flavor than the non organic options. Say it with me, organic means more flavor! And not just more flavor but a more true and pure flavor. And organic ingredients are much healthier for you to eat in general as they do not contain GMOs or anything artificial. Plus, you are being environmentally friendly when you choose organic ingredients!
So, I highly recommend that you buy the best organic ingredients for this recipe! You can also shop my Amazon Storefront for all my favorite organic ingredients here. Tip – hover over each ingredient to see the name. And if you want to learn more about organic foods and the difference, read my post here on Food Labels and What They Mean.
This easy and festive Christmas cookie recipe is sure to be a favorite this holiday season!
Ingredients
1 cup (226 grams) organic salted butter, softened
142 grams (1 cup) organic powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons organic vanilla extract
284 grams (2 1/4 cups) organic all purpose flour
2 tablespoons organic cane sugar
All natural tree sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined.
- Add the flour and mix on low until combined into a smooth dough. It should feel like play dough in your hands.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into 30 balls and place on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly so they are about 2-inches in diameter. Sprinkle the tops with cane sugar and top with the tree sprinkles (you may need to press these in a little bit so they stick).
- Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until golden brown on the bottoms.
- Store in a cool dry place for up to 7 days.
Notes
- High Altitude – Bake at 350°F for 13 to 17 minutes or until golden brown on the bottoms.
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