Name: Irresistibly Crisp Christmas Shortbread Cookies to Delight You
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 250 g all-purpose flour (T55) (You can substitute it if needed.); 1 tablespoon quatre-épices (Feel free to swap it with cinnamon or ginger.); 125 g powdered sugar (Brings sweetness and aids in browning.); 1 packet vanilla sugar (Regular vanilla extract can be used.); 1 pinch salt (Balances the sweetness.); 125 g cold butter (Keep it chilled for best results.); 1 small egg (Acts as a binding ingredient.)

The scent of freshly baked Christmas Shortbread Cookies wafts through the air, instantly wrapping me in warm nostalgia and holiday cheer. Sablés de Noël are my go-to treat during this festive season; they perfectly blend a light, crisp texture with delightful seasonal spices like cinnamon and ginger. What I love most about this easy recipe is how quickly I can whip them up—ideal for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Plus, their customizable nature allows me to experiment with flavors, ensuring each batch feels uniquely special. Whether I’m sharing them with friends or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a sprinkle of joy to my holiday festivities. Ready to create your own batch and fill your home with that Christmas magic? Let’s dive into the delightful world of Sablés de Noël!

Why You’ll Adore These Cookies?

Versatile and Customizable: This recipe allows you to play with spices—think cinnamon, ginger, or even citrus zest. You can easily tailor them to your taste!

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of fresh Sablés de Noël ready in no time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Perfect Texture: Crisp and buttery, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a delightful melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether sharing at a holiday party or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Share the Joy: Upcoming celebrations call for festive treats, and what’s better than these cookies to spread some holiday cheer? For more festive inspiration, check out my Fruity Pebble Sugar cookies!

Christmas Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

• For your delightful Sablés de Noël, gather these essential ingredients to capture the magic of the season!

For the Dough

250 g de farine T55 – This all-purpose flour provides a sturdy base for your cookies; you can substitute it if needed.
1 cuillère à soupe de quatre-épices – Infuses warm, complex flavors; feel free to swap it with cinnamon or ginger for a personal touch.
125 g de sucre en poudre – Brings sweetness and aids in browning for that perfect golden hue.
1 sachet de sucre vanillé – Enhances the vanilla flavor; regular vanilla extract works just as well in a pinch.
1 pincée de sel – Balances the sweetness and lifts the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
125 g de beurre froid – The cold butter is essential for that rich texture; keep it chilled for best results.
1 petit œuf – Acts as a binding ingredient to hold the dough together beautifully.

These Christmas Shortbread Cookies will undoubtedly add a touch of magic to your holiday baking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Shortbread Cookies:

Step 1: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 250 g flour and 1 tablespoon of quatre-épices, ensuring they are well combined. This step not only removes any lumps but also aerates the flour, contributing to the light texture of your Christmas Shortbread Cookies. Take a moment to enjoy the fragrant aroma of the spices filling your kitchen.

Step 2: Combine with Sugar and Salt
Add 125 g of powdered sugar, 1 sachet of vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt to the flour mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly mixed, creating a delightful blend of sweetness contrasted by the hint of salt. This balance is essential for the flavor of your cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cold Butter
Cut 125 g of cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it reaches a sandy texture resembling coarse crumbs. This process should take about 5 minutes, and it is crucial for achieving the buttery richness in your Christmas Shortbread Cookies.

Step 4: Mix in the Egg
Pour in 1 beaten egg and mix carefully with your hands or a spatula until a homogeneous dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon of flour until it achieves the right consistency. This step brings everything together and is a joyful moment as the ingredients meld into a smooth dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour—this rests the gluten and enhances flavors while helping the cookies maintain their shape when baked. As the dough chills, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) to prepare for baking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Shapes
Once chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes for the Christmas Shortbread Cookies. As you work, the enticing scent of holiday spices will surely fill your kitchen, making it feel cozy and festive.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the cut shapes on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for slight spreading. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch closely; the cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, signaling they are ready to come out for cooling.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This step is important to prevent breaking. Your Christmas Shortbread Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed, either plain or with a sprinkling of powdered sugar on top for an extra festive touch!

Christmas Shortbread Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to mix and match your flavors and ingredients, creating a unique twist on these delightful cookies!

Spice Swaps: Replace quatre-épices with cinnamon or ginger for a different aromatic experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment; each spice lends its unique character.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor profile. This fresh burst of citrus can elevate your cookies, adding a lovely contrast to the spices.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts into the dough for added crunch. The texture from the nuts adds both flavor and interest to every bite.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in chocolate chips before rolling out the dough. This classic addition brings a touch of sweet indulgence that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies.
Royal Icing Top: After baking, decorate with royal icing or a glaze for festive flair. Simply mix powdered sugar with a little water or lemon juice, then drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Flavored Extracts: Experiment with extracts like almond or peppermint in place of vanilla. Such flavors can provide a delightful surprise, infusing the cookies with a seasonal spirit.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs. Many blends are designed to mimic the texture of all-purpose flour, ensuring a delicious outcome.
Decorative Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles before baking for a cheerful pop of color! Whether you’re going for festive red and green or a playful mix, it’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.

For more enticing ideas, you might enjoy trying my deliciously vibrant Fruity Pebble Sugar cookies or an exquisite take on the classic with cheerful seasonal accents!

What to Serve with Easy Sablés de Noël?

Imagine the delightful pairing possibilities that come alive beside your festive Sablés de Noël, enhancing their charm and bringing joy to every bite.

Rich Hot Chocolate: A cup of luxurious hot chocolate is the perfect accompaniment, offering warmth and sweetness that meld beautifully with the spiced cookies.
Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in a chai latte echo the flavors of your cookies, making for a cozy, comforting treat on chilly evenings.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the crisp cookies, creating a delightful combination of temperatures and textures.
Cranberry Orange Fizz: This sparkling beverage, combining cranberry juice and fresh orange slices, adds a zesty kick, brightening up the rich butteriness of the cookies.
Gingerbread Latte: Embracing the holiday spirit, a gingerbread latte marries harmoniously with the spices in your cookies, enhancing the overall festive experience.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A warm caramel drizzle over your Sablés de Noël elevates their sweetness, creating an irresistible indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Holiday Fruit Platter: Brighten up your serving table with a platter of seasonal fruits like pears, figs, and pomegranates, offering a fresh and juicy complement to the butteriness of the cookies.
Mulled Wine: The warmth and rich flavors of mulled wine create a comforting atmosphere, pairing beautifully with the spiced notes of your Christmas cookies.

Let these pairings create a festive atmosphere, ensuring that your gathering is filled with love, laughter, and delightful flavors this holiday season!

Expert Tips for Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold to achieve the desired flakiness—this makes a world of difference in your Christmas Shortbread Cookies!
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential. It helps develop flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to a dry cookie; they should be just lightly golden around the edges.
Adjust for Stickiness: If your dough feels too sticky while mixing in the egg, simply add a tablespoon of flour. Finding the right dough consistency is key!
Experiment with Flavors: Customize your cookies by adding different spices or citrus zest for a unique twist. Each batch can be a delightful surprise!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps the dough maintain its texture. If you need even more time, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Christmas Shortbread Cookies, simply roll out the chilled dough, cut into shapes, and bake as directed, bringing festive warmth into your home with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in a metal tin with a tight lid for up to 15 days. This will keep them crisp and flavorful while warding off moisture.

Fridge: If you have leftover dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before using. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent drying out.

Freezer: You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in layers separated by parchment paper inside an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: To refresh your cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for a few minutes. This will restore their delightful crispness and warmth, perfect paired with your favorite holiday beverage!

Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for Sablés de Noël?
Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using 250 g of T55 flour, which is ideal for structure. You can easily substitute it with all-purpose flour if you can’t find T55, and still achieve delightful results.

How should I store my Sablés de Noël?
Store your Christmas Shortbread Cookies in a metal tin with a tight lid. This method keeps them crisp and flavorful for up to 15 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! You can definitely freeze the dough for later use. After shaping it into a ball and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting out your shapes.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky while mixing in the beaten egg, don’t fret! Just add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve a more workable consistency. This will help you mold the cookies with ease, leading to a perfect bake!

Are these cookies safe for pets?
It’s important to note that Sablés de Noël contain ingredients like sugar and butter that are not suitable for pets. The best approach is to enjoy these cookies yourself and keep them out of reach of your furry friends to ensure they stay safe.

Can I customize the spices in the recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of Sablés de Noël lies in their versatility. You can substitute the quatre-épices with cinnamon, ginger, or even citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Feel free to experiment and make each batch uniquely your own!