Festive Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies

Q: How do I prevent my christmas cookies from getting too hard?

Nobody wants a rock-hard biscuit! The secret is to avoid overbaking. Shortbread cookies should be pale golden, not deeply browned. As soon as the edges start to turn golden, take them out of the oven. Also, make sure you're measuring your flour correctly – spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping will prevent you from adding too much. Storing your cooled cookies in an airtight container will also help maintain their soft, crumbly texture. Consider adding a slice of apple to the cookie jar, changing it out every few days to keep cookies soft.

By Emily CollinsSeptember 14, 2025

4.33 (3 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Bake!

Alright, let's talk Christmas cookies ! Honestly, is it even Christmas without them? I reckon not. This recipe for Festive Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies is all about that warm, fuzzy feeling and a taste of pure festive joy.

Quick Hook: Spice Up Your Holidays!

Ever wondered how to make Christmas cookies that everyone will rave about? This Christmas shortbread recipe does the trick. These buttery shortbread christmas cookies have a wonderful spice blend.

They are definitely a cut above the rest!

Festive Flavors, Easy Baking

This isn't your grandma's average traditional christmas cookies recipe. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Scottish shortbread. Plus, the added spices make these great spiced christmas cookies .

It's an easy christmas cookie recipe , even for baking novices. It takes about an hour and a half, give or take.

This yields roughly two to two and a half dozen cookies, perfect for sharing.

Spread the Christmas Cheer

These cookies aren't just delicious. They also make great homemade christmas gifts . Think about making these for a Christmas cookie exchange ideas .

What makes these so special? The warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger blends beautifully with the buttery shortbread. It will transport you straight to a winter wonderland.

Plus, shortbread is a great excuse to enjoy butter cookies christmas! They are light and crispy.

Holiday baking can be stressful, but this recipe is not! On top of that, these cookies are a great way to bring a bit of warmth into your day.

Now, let's check out the ingredients to get started.

Let's Bake: Ingredients & Equipment for Awesome Christmas Cookies

Right, let's dive into what you'll need to make these amazing Festive Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

This recipe is perfect for a Christmas cookie exchange ideas and can also be thought as homemade Christmas gifts , believe me, nothing says 'I care' like some proper Traditional Christmas Cookies .

Plus, baking is just so chill.

Main Ingredients for Spiced Christmas Cookies

Here's the shopping list, all measured out so you can't go wrong, lol.

Butter: 1 cup (that's 227g ), unsalted of course, and properly soft. Quality butter makes all the difference for these butter cookies christmas , so spend a quid or two extra for the good stuff.
Sugar: ½ cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar, and ¼ cup ( 50g ) light brown sugar, packed in.
Vanilla: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) pure vanilla extract.
Flour: 2 ¼ cups ( 281g ) all-purpose, plus extra for dusting.
Spices: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ) ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ) salt.

Seasoning is Key for Delicious Christmas Shortbread Recipe

This spice blend is what makes these festive cookies sing . You know? The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger give a lovely warmth that's just perfect for holiday baking .

If you don't have nutmeg, a little extra cinnamon will do in a pinch. A tiny pinch of ground cloves will bring your Shortbread Christmas Cookies from good to spectacular!

Equipment Needed for Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes

Keep things simple.

Electric mixer (stand or hand held)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Christmas cookie cutters
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Don't have fancy cookie cutters? A knife works too! A glass can be used as a cookie cutter, and baking paper is optional.

Honestly? I've made these Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes with just a bowl, a wooden spoon, and a fork when I was a student. They still tasted incredible!

Nailing These Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies

Right then, let's chat about the magic behind these Festive Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies . Honestly, there’s something so comforting about the smell of these baking, isn’t there? This christmas shortbread recipe isn't just a recipe, it's a hug in cookie form.

I reckon it's a stellar idea for homemade christmas gifts too.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First off, mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Get all your ingredients measured out. Two sticks of butter need to be soft.

Not melted, softened . I cannot stress this enough.

A handy tip? Measure out your flour before you start creaming butter and sugar. This time saving organization tip lets you chuck it in without stopping.

Safety wise? Just mind your fingers around that mixer!

step-by-step: The Cookie Breakdown

Alright, here’s the deal:

Cream the softened butter, ½ cup granulated sugar , and ¼ cup packed light brown sugar till it looks fluffy. This can take 3- 5 minutes . Don’t rush.
Beat in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract . Just until combined.
Whisk together 2 ¼ cups flour , 1 teaspoon cinnamon , ½ teaspoon nutmeg , ¼ teaspoon ginger , and ¼ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Mix until just combined. Don't overdo it.
Form into a disc, wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour . Seriously, don't skip this.
Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking sheets.
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness .
Cut out those festive cookies ! Bake for 10- 12 minutes . Edges lightly golden brown.

Pro Tips for Cookie Perfection

Honestly, the biggest mistake with these? Overmixing the dough! It makes them tough, and nobody wants a tough shortbread christmas cookies .

make-ahead? Absolutely! The dough chills nicely for a couple of days. This makes these cookies great christmas cookie exchange ideas .

The best way to enjoy these butter cookies christmas ? Right out of the oven, with a cuppa. These easy christmas cookie recipes make holiday baking an absolute breeze, creating traditional christmas cookies with an added, aromatic touch that everyone will love.

I can't wait to share more spiced christmas cookies and other fun baking recipes. Until then, happy baking!

Recipe Notes: Festive Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies

Right then, let's talk nitty gritty about these Christmas cookies . Honestly, the beauty is in the details. These aren't just any butter cookies christmas ; they're a hug in cookie form.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Impress!

Got some fancy plates? Use them! A dusting of icing sugar makes these festive cookies look like they've just been kissed by snow.

I like to arrange them on a platter with a few sprigs of holly.

Pair these with some mulled wine. A cuppa tea works brilliantly too. They're ideal homemade christmas gifts , too!

Storage Tips: Making Them Last (If You Can!)

These are best kept in an airtight container. They'll happily sit in your fridge for up to five days. Want to prep way ahead? Freeze them unbaked for up to three months.

That is easy holiday baking , innit?

To reheat, just pop them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for a few minutes.

Variations: Get Creative With Your Christmas Cookies

Fancy a change? Add some lemon zest for a zingy twist. Or chuck in some chocolate chips. You can make a gluten-free version by swapping out the flour for a gluten-free blend.

For a subtle alternative, you can substitute all of the sugar content for an erythritol. Make sure to adjust for sweetness

That's the beauty of an easy christmas cookie recipes : you can play around.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Each cookie is about 120 calories. It's mostly carbs and fat. These are a treat, not a health food, mind you! We can all live a little! Remember, it's all about balance during the festive season, you know?

So there you have it. My take on these traditional christmas cookies . I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Don't forget to share your Christmas cookie exchange ideas ! I’m rooting for you to bake the BEST Christmas shortbread recipe this year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my christmas cookies spreading too much in the oven?

Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! This usually happens because the butter is too warm, or the dough wasn't chilled for long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, and definitely don't skip the chilling step at least an hour in the fridge will do the trick.

Chilling allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. You could also try baking them at a slightly lower temperature.

Can I make these Festive Spiced Shortbread Christmas Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can be a real Mary Berry and get ahead! The unbaked cookie dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

When you're ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly if frozen, then roll it out and bake as directed. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

What's the best way to decorate my christmas cookies?

Get your creative juices flowing! Royal icing is a classic choice for decorating Christmas cookies because it dries hard and creates a smooth surface for intricate designs. But you could also melt some chocolate, dust with icing sugar, or go wild with sprinkles.

Use piping bags for detailed work or dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a quick and easy treat. Remember, it's all about having fun and making them your own!

How do I prevent my christmas cookies from getting too hard?

Nobody wants a rock hard biscuit! The secret is to avoid overbaking. Shortbread cookies should be pale golden, not deeply browned. As soon as the edges start to turn golden, take them out of the oven.

Also, make sure you're measuring your flour correctly spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping will prevent you from adding too much. Storing your cooled cookies in an airtight container will also help maintain their soft, crumbly texture.

Consider adding a slice of apple to the cookie jar, changing it out every few days to keep cookies soft.

Can I make these christmas cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can absolutely make these cookies gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. These blends are designed to mimic the texture and structure of regular flour, so you shouldn't need to make any other adjustments to the recipe.

Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free flours can sometimes brown more quickly. You could also try using almond flour for a naturally gluten-free and nutty twist.