As the festive season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, bringing back cherished memories and creating new ones. Among these delightful treats, the classic Shortbread stands out with its simplicity and elegance. This Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread recipe is perfect for Christmas, offering a buttery, tender bite that promises to make your holiday season even more special.

Who is This Recipe For?

This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate classic, comforting flavors. It’s ideal for bakers of all levels, from beginners to experts, and is especially great for those looking to create lasting Christmas memories with family and friends.

Why This Shortbread is a Must-Try

Simplicity at Its Best: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts for loved ones.
Customizable: They offer a canvas for various decorations and flavors.
Festive: Their buttery richness makes them a Christmas staple.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Oven
Electric mixer
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Cookie sheet (ungreased)
Wire racks for cooling

Detailed Preparation: Crafting the Perfect Shortbread

Preheating for Precision: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and perfect texture.
Whipping the Butter: Using an electric mixer, whip the softened butter until it’s fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Combining the Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and flour into the whipped butter. Begin on low speed for a minute to prevent the dry ingredients from puffing out, then increase to high for 3 to 4 minutes. This process aerates the dough, leading to a lighter cookie.
Shaping the Cookies: Carefully drop the cookie dough by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, maintaining a distance of about 2 inches between each. This spacing allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Baking to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end, to ensure the edges don’t brown too much. The key is to achieve a pale, golden hue.
Cooling: Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This step is essential to let them set properly and develop their characteristic texture.

Storage and Leftovers

Store the cooled shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for making ahead of Christmas.

Suggested Pairings

Beverage Pairing: A cup of tea or coffee complements these cookies beautifully.
Serving Suggestion: Serve them as is or decorate with festive sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a holiday touch.

Notes and Variations

Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract for a flavor twist.
Decorating Ideas: Dip in melted chocolate or drizzle with caramel for an extra treat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
How can I ensure my shortbread is tender? Avoid overmixing the dough and measure the ingredients accurately.
Can I freeze the baked shortbread? Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: Makes about 24 cookies
Valeurs Nutritionnelles: Calories: 110 | Total Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 2mg | Total Carbohydrates: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 4g | Protein: 1g

Conclusion

Indulge in the simple yet luxurious experience of making these Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread cookies this Christmas. Share your baking journey, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more heartwarming recipes. Let’s spread the festive cheer together!

Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread

Print Recipe

Experience the joy of baking with our easy Classic Christmas Shortbread recipe. Perfect for festive gifting and indulgence!

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheating for Precision: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and perfect texture.
Whipping the Butter: Using an electric mixer, whip the softened butter until it’s fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Combining the Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch, and flour into the whipped butter. Begin on low speed for a minute to prevent the dry ingredients from puffing out, then increase to high for 3 to 4 minutes. This process aerates the dough, leading to a lighter cookie.
Shaping the Cookies: Carefully drop the cookie dough by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, maintaining a distance of about 2 inches between each. This spacing allows for even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Baking to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end, to ensure the edges don’t brown too much. The key is to achieve a pale, golden hue.
Cooling: Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This step is essential to let them set properly and develop their characteristic texture.

Notes

Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract for a flavor twist.
Decorating Ideas: Dip in melted chocolate or drizzle with caramel for an extra treat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Author: Julia Rivera
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Keywords: Christmas cookies, Classic shortbread recipe