Buttery, crumbly, and perfectly poppable, these Shortbread Cookie Bites are a holiday must-have. Their bite-sized shape and festive sprinkles make them an adorable and irresistible addition to your holiday cookie trays, party platters, or snack bowls. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these little treats in no time.
If you loved our Classic Shortbread Cookies or Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll adore these tiny, melt-in-your-mouth bites of joy. They’re simple, festive, and completely delicious!
What Are Shortbread Cookie Bites?
Shortbread Cookie Bites are mini versions of traditional shortbread cookies, made by cutting chilled dough into tiny cubes and baking until golden. These petite treats are buttery, slightly sweet, and perfect for sharing or gifting. As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these cookie bites are sure to charm anyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Here’s why these little cookies should make it onto your holiday baking list:
- Minimal ingredients: Just five pantry staples!
- Festive flair: Red and green sprinkles add a seasonal touch.
- Perfect for parties: Great for snacking, gifting, or cookie exchanges.
If you’re looking for something quick, cute, and crave-worthy, these cookie bites deliver on all fronts.
How to Make Shortbread Cookie Bites
Quick Overview
The dough comes together in a food processor, then is chilled, sliced into small cubes, and baked until lightly golden. No cookie cutters required!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tablespoon red and green sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix the Dough: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter. Pulse until the dough begins to come together.
- Add Sprinkles: Transfer dough to a work surface and knead in the sprinkles until well distributed.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into a rectangle or square about 1/2 inch thick on a piece of waxed paper. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Cut and Bake: Cut dough into 1/2 inch cubes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cookie bites are just lightly browned on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Shortbread Cookie Bites
These mini cookies pair perfectly with hot cocoa, eggnog, coffee, or tea. Serve them at your next holiday party, wrap them in festive bags for edible gifts, or add them to a holiday cookie board for variety.
Top Tips for Perfect Cookie Bites
- Use cold butter: Helps create that signature shortbread texture.
- Don’t overbake: They should be pale with just a touch of golden brown.
- Chill the dough: Makes cutting easier and helps maintain shape while baking.
- Get creative: Try different colored sprinkles for other holidays or occasions.
- Double the batch: These go fast, so make plenty!
Storing and Freezing Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter? Yes! If using unsalted, you can add a pinch of salt to the dough.
Can I make these without a food processor? Yes—use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour.
What other mix-ins can I try? Mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or orange zest all work well.
Do these cookies spread? No, they hold their shape well when chilled before baking.
Can I make them ahead of time? Absolutely—store dough in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.
Conclusion
Shortbread Cookie Bites are festive, fun, and full of buttery goodness. Their adorable size and simple ingredients make them a favorite for holiday baking. Whip up a batch (or two) and watch them disappear at your next gathering or gift exchange!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup Flour
- 3 tbsp Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1 stick Butter
- 1 tbsp Red and Green Sprinkles
Instructions
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 325.
- Add flour, sugar, vanilla and butter to food processor.
- Pulse until combined.
- Add sprinkles and knead until blended.
- Roll out dough and form into about 1/2" thick square or rectangle on waxed paper.
- Place in freezer for 15 minutes to firm.
- Cut dough into 1/2" cubes and place onto prepped sheet.
- Bake until bites are lightly brown (about 18-20 minutes).
Notes
These Shortbread Cookie Bites are perfect for snacking and holiday parties.