Decorated Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you’re in the right place. This Decorated Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe is my absolute favorite holiday tradition – buttery, tender shortbread cookies that are beautifully iced with a cool mint glaze and decorated like tiny Christmas trees. You’ll find that these cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re a ton of fun to make and will instantly fill your kitchen with cozy holiday cheer. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you create these little works of edible art with ease!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to make classic shortbread that’s soft yet sturdy enough for decorating. I always recommend using very soft butter to get the right dough texture, and the peppermint extract adds that unmistakable holiday flair.

• Salted butter: Using salted butter enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness perfectly.
• Powdered sugar: It dissolves smoothly into the butter for a tender texture and smooth glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie base.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for that classic shortbread crumb.
• Cornstarch: This lightens the dough and contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Half and half or milk: For both glaze and buttercream, it thins the icing while keeping it creamy.
• Peppermint extract: My secret touch for festive flavor that’s not overpowering.
• Blue paste food coloring: I recommend Wilton Delphinium Blue for vibrant, holiday-perfect color without altering consistency.
• White nonpareils and pearlized snowflakes: For that extra sparkle and charm on your Christmas trees.

Variations

This decorated Christmas shortbread cookies recipe is super adaptable, which is part of why I’ve made it a holiday staple. I love switching up the flavors or decorations depending on the mood or occasion – seriously, the decorating possibilities are endless!

• Flavor variation: I once swapped peppermint extract for almond extract and ended up with an equally delicious twist that my family couldn’t get enough of.
• Gluten-free version: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, though you might need to chill the dough a bit longer to handle it easily.
• Colorful decorating: Sometimes I add green or red food coloring to the buttercream to create multicolored Christmas trees or ornaments – a fun project with kids!
• Vegan adaptation: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly option that still tastes amazing.

How to Make Decorated Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start with very soft butter — I usually leave mine out at room temperature for about an hour before baking. Stir it with a sturdy wooden spoon until smooth and creamy, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix by hand until everything looks fluffy and well combined; this step sets the base for that tender cookie texture we all love.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Form the Dough

Sprinkle your flour and cornstarch evenly over the butter mixture, then gently stir until the dough starts to come together. It’ll look a bit shaggy at this point — that’s perfect. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead a few times until smooth, then press it into a flat disk. This makes rolling out the dough way easier and quicker.

Step 3: Roll Out, Cut, and Chill

Roll your dough to about ⅜-inch thickness, dusting with flour as needed to avoid sticking. Use circle cutters to create your cookies, placing them spaced on parchment-lined pans. Here’s the important part — pop those cutouts in the fridge for at least an hour (or up to 24). This chilling step helps them keep their shape during baking, which I learned the hard way the first time I skipped it.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 12-16 minutes. You’ll want to watch them closely — they’re ready when the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Don’t forget to rotate the pans halfway through; it ensures even browning and that beautiful texture we want. Once baked, let them cool completely before decorating.

Step 5: Make the Minty Blue Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with half and half and peppermint extract until you have a thick but pourable glaze. Add that gorgeous blue food coloring a little at a time to get just the shade you want — I love a soft icy blue that really pops against the white decorations. Dip each cookie gently, removing excess glaze, then let them sit for about 15-30 minutes to set.

Step 6: Pipe and Decorate with Buttercream

For the buttercream, beat very soft butter with powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and half and half until smooth but thick enough to pipe. Using a small round tip, I like to start at the top of the cookie and build my Christmas tree shape with progressively wider lines, finishing just above the bottom edge. While the buttercream is still fresh, sprinkle on white nonpareils and finish with a pearl snowflake at the top if you have them on hand — it really completes the look!

How to Serve Decorated Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these cookies with little touches that make them feel extra special. White nonpareils add a snowy sparkle, and tiny pearlized snowflakes are perfect for the tree toppers. You can also sprinkle edible glitter or crushed peppermint candy for a festive bite and look.

Side Dishes

These shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm peppermint tea. I’ve also served them alongside a cheese platter for a holiday gathering — the sweet and buttery flavors balance out salty cheeses so well.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift-giving is my favorite excuse to get creative! I like packaging these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons, or arranging them in holiday tins lined with festive tissue paper. For holiday parties, a cookie platter with varying colors and shapes always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, placing parchment paper between layers to keep decorations intact. They’ve stayed fresh and delicious for up to one week this way, which is perfect for savoring through the holidays.

Freezing

If you want to prep early, the unbaked dough freezes wonderfully. I scoop and wrap dough disks tightly before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting. Alternatively, baked cookies freeze well too if wrapped individually and stored in airtight containers.

Reheating

To freshen up frozen cookies, I let them come to room temp naturally — the shortbread is best enjoyed that way to keep its delicate texture. If you prefer warm, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave does the trick, but be careful not to melt your pretty icing!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Decorated Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe turns out every time — crisp edges, melt-in-your-mouth centers, and that festive glimmer make it a joy both to bake and to share. When I first made these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients and a little creativity could bring so much holiday spirit to my kitchen. So if you want to impress your friends, wow your family, or just enjoy a cozy afternoon in the kitchen, give this recipe a go. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday tradition too.

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