If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings the warmth and joy of the holiday season straight into your kitchen, this Four-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. With just a few pantry staples, these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer the perfect balance of rich, crumbly texture and festive charm, thanks to vibrant maraschino cherries that add a pop of color and cheerful flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe makes creating holiday magic both simple and utterly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the easiest recipes are the best, and this one is no exception. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — from the creamy richness of the butter to the delicate sweetness of powdered sugar, and the foundation of tender texture provided by all-purpose flour. The maraschino cherries? They’re the joyful finale that makes these cookies uniquely festive.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup softened butter provides that rich, creamy base essential for tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup adds a delicate sweetness and helps create a smooth, soft dough.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups form the structure, producing that classic crumbly shortbread texture.
- Maraschino cherries: Halved cherries are the bright, festive touch that also adds a slight tang to balance the richness.
How to Make Four-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar
Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is key to achieving the tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes shortbread so irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix gently until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overwork it — just enough to bring everything together. This ensures your cookies stay tender rather than tough.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls or press it into a shortbread mold. If you want classic wedges, press the dough into a round pan and score the surface before baking. Adding your halved maraschino cherries on top now is best — pressing them gently into each cookie gives every bite a festive pop of color and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 18-20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a lovely light golden shade. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, as you want them soft and crumbly.
How to Serve Four-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust your cooled shortbread cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for added sweetness and a beautiful contrast. You could even sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios around the cherries for a pop of green that fits right into the Christmas palette.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages — think mulled wine, peppermint hot chocolate, or a simple cup of richly brewed coffee. The creamy, buttery notes of the shortbread beautifully complement the spice and warmth of holiday drinks, creating that ultimate cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a festive platter garnished with fresh holly sprigs or cinnamon sticks for a charming holiday centerpiece. Alternatively, stack them in clear glass jars tied with red and green twine as beautiful edible gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Four-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain perfectly fresh and tender for up to one week, making them a sweet treat you can enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, freezing them is a great option. Wrap the baked and cooled cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, so you can pull out a batch whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer a warm cookie experience, pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes—just enough to regain their buttery softness without losing that delightful crumbly texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar?
Powdered sugar is preferred because it dissolves smoothly, giving your shortbread a tender texture. Using granulated sugar might result in a slightly grainier dough and a crisper cookie, which isn’t quite the classic shortbread experience.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
To soften butter quickly, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt unevenly and affect your dough’s consistency.
Can I use maraschino cherries without slicing them?
For best results, halving the maraschino cherries before placing them on the cookies helps them sit nicely on top and evenly distribute their flavor without making the dough soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil, but keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture and flavor of your shortbread. Experimenting in small batches is a good idea!
Why do my shortbread cookies sometimes become too hard?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause hard shortbread. Make sure to bake them just until the edges are lightly golden and measure your flour properly by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a simple, classic cookie, especially when it’s this easy and festive. The Four-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe is a perfect example of how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Give it a try this holiday season — I promise these buttery, cherry-topped treats will become an instant favorite for your family and friends!
Print
Four-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 4-Ingredient Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe is a simple and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with just butter, powdered sugar, flour, and maraschino cherries, these classic shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and have a delightful cherry topping, making them a charming addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Topping
- Maraschino cherries, halved
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until the dough forms a smooth and homogeneous consistency.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Add cherry topping: Press a halved maraschino cherry firmly in the center of each flattened dough ball to give each cookie a festive look and a burst of sweetness.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their tender shortbread texture.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these buttery, festive treats.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best dough consistency.
- You can substitute maraschino cherries with other dried or candied fruits if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a different flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
