Delight in these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth frosted shortbread holiday cookies, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
65 min
Servings
24
Difficulty
Easy
Instructions
Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Pro tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Combine with flour
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Pro tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut.
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll and cut cookies
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Pro tip: Dip cookie cutters in flour to prevent sticking.
Bake the cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro tip: Do not overbake; shortbread should remain pale.
Prepare the frosting
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and food colouring until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Pro tip: Start with a small amount of milk and add more gradually.
Frost the cookies
Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie. Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Pro tip: Use a piping bag for precision and decorative designs.
Tips & Tricks
- Use high-quality unsalted butter for a rich flavour.
- Chill the dough for easy handling and precise shapes.
- Experiment with various frosting colours and sprinkles for a festive touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these frosted shortbread holiday cookies special?
These cookies are special because they combine a classic buttery shortbread base with a festive, colourful frosting, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavour.
What type of food colouring is best for frosting?
Gel food colouring is recommended as it provides vibrant colours without altering the frosting's consistency.
How many calories are in each cookie?
Each frosted shortbread holiday cookie contains approximately 110 calories.
Serving Suggestions
Nutrition per serving
110
Calories
1g
Protein
5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
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