Festive Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

Introduction

These classic shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for any occasion. Their simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Sprinkles add a fun touch, making them great for parties or gifting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and then gradually add the flour, mixing until well combined.
2. Step 2: Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes; a 3-inch round cutter works well.
3. Step 3: Place the cut cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, which makes handling easier and helps maintain the shapes.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Bake the cookies for 12 to 18 minutes. Start by setting a timer for 10 minutes, then check every 2 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges begin to turn a light golden brown.
6. Step 6: To add sprinkles, brush a light layer of milk on the top of each warm cookie. Sprinkle the sprinkles evenly over them and allow the cookies to cool slightly so the sprinkles set without bleeding.
7. Step 7: Serve the shortbread cookies plain or with your favorite dip. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Chilling the dough after cutting helps prevent spreading and keeps cookie shapes sharp.
• For a richer flavor, try substituting half the butter with browned butter.
• Mix in finely chopped nuts or citrus zest to customize the flavor.
• Use colored sugar or different sprinkles for festive variations.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven to refresh their texture if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Why do shortbread cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling solidifies the butter, which helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents excessive spreading while baking.

Festive Shortbread Cookies with Sprinkles Recipe

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4.7 from 67 reviews

Classic buttery shortbread cookies with a delicate crumbly texture, lightly sweetened and enhanced with vanilla. These cookies are simple to make, perfectly golden, and optionally decorated with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons milk

Decoration

• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Instructions

1. Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
2. Add Vanilla and Flour: Stir in the vanilla extract and gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough is well-combined and forms a smooth consistency.
3. Roll and Cut Dough: Roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thickness on a flat surface. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or your preferred shape to cut out individual cookies from the dough.
4. Chill the Cookies: Place the cut cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them set and maintain shape during baking.
5. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and allow it to fully preheat before baking the cookies.
6. Bake Cookies: Bake the chilled cookies for 12 to 18 minutes, starting with 10 minutes then checking every 2 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are done.
7. Add Sprinkles: Lightly brush the top of each warm cookie with a small amount of milk to moisten the surface. Immediately scatter sprinkles over the top to stick, then allow them to cool slightly to prevent colors from bleeding.
8. Serve: Enjoy the shortbread cookies by themselves or alongside a favorite cookie dip for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Chilling the cookies after cutting helps them keep their shape during baking.
• Watch cookies closely near the end of baking to avoid over-browning.
• Using softened butter ensures the dough creams well for better texture.
• Milk is only used to adhere sprinkles; it can be omitted if not decorating.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Keywords: shortbread cookies, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies, sprinkles cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, festive cookies