Festive Elfin Shortbread Delight
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of our Festive Elfin Shortbread Delight! These tiny cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially around the holidays. With their buttery richness and vibrant sprinkles, they're not only a feast for your taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. This recipe yields about 160 melt-in-your-mouth cookies that you can share with family and friends or keep all to yourself. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these shortbread bites will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (measured)
sugar
3 tablespoons (granulated)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
colored sprinkles
2 tablespoons (for decoration)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sugar, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
2
Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the flour-sugar mixture until it resembles fine crumbs and begins to cling together.
3
Gently fold in the colored sprinkles, incorporating them evenly throughout the dough.
4
Knead the mixture lightly in the bowl until it forms a smooth ball, being careful not to overwork the dough.
5
On a clean, ungreased cookie sheet, roll or pat the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 8x5 inches.
6
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the dough into 1/2 inch squares.
7
Spread the squares slightly apart on the cookie sheet to allow for some spreading during baking.
8
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to show a light golden brown color.
9
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack that is covered with wax paper, preventing them from sticking.
10
Store the cooled cookies in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to three months for longer enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Elfin Shortbread Delight?
It is a buttery shortbread cookie recipe featuring vibrant sprinkles, perfect for holiday gifting and celebrations.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 160 tiny, bite-sized shortbread cookies.
What are the main ingredients for these cookies?
The main ingredients are all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and colored sprinkles.
What type of flour should I use?
You should use 1 1/4 cups of measured all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter for the best texture.
What kind of sprinkles are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of colored sprinkles for decoration and flavor.
How do I start the mixing process?
Begin by combining the all-purpose flour and sugar in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
What is the best tool to incorporate the butter?
You can use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the flour-sugar mixture.
What should the dough look like after adding butter?
The mixture should resemble fine crumbs and begin to cling together.
When do I add the sprinkles?
Gently fold in the colored sprinkles after the butter has been incorporated into the flour and sugar.
How do I form the dough ball?
Knead the mixture lightly in the bowl until it forms a smooth ball, taking care not to overwork it.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
No, you should use a clean, ungreased cookie sheet for this recipe.
How should I shape the dough before cutting?
Roll or pat the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 8x5 inches directly on the cookie sheet.
What tool is best for cutting the cookie squares?
A sharp knife or a pizza cutter works best for cutting the dough into squares.
What size should the individual cookies be?
The dough should be cut into small 1/2 inch squares.
Should the cookie squares be touching while baking?
No, spread the squares slightly apart on the cookie sheet to allow for slight spreading during baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for baking these shortbread bites.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the bottoms begin to show a very light golden brown color.
How should I cool the cookies?
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack that has been covered with wax paper.
Why is wax paper used on the cooling rack?
The wax paper helps prevent the tiny cookies from sticking to the wire rack or falling through the gaps.
How should Festive Elfin Shortbread be stored?
Store them in a tightly covered container at room temperature.
How long do the cookies stay fresh at room temperature?
They will stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these shortbread cookies?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These are melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies with a rich, buttery texture.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with simple steps and few ingredients.
Can I use these for holiday gift bags?
Absolutely! Their small size and festive look make them perfect for sharing and gifting.
Can I change the sprinkle colors?
Yes, you can customize the sprinkles to match any holiday or special occasion.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a dessert and specifically a type of shortbread cookie.