The scent of freshly baked cookies always brings back memories of gatherings filled with laughter and joy. These Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, with their stunning red and green buttercream filling, are the perfect way to bring that magic to your holiday festivities. Not only are they simple to whip up, but they also make for delightful gifts that will impress friends and family alike. With a buttery crunch and a touch of sweetness, these festive treats add a splash of color to your dessert table and can easily become a cherished tradition in your home. So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with the spirit of the season and indulge in some holiday cheer?
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Festive Flavors: These Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are packed with buttery goodness and creamy, colorful filling, making every bite a delightful treat for the senses.
Simple Steps: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a batch that looks as good as it tastes—perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers!
Gifts from the Heart: Easily packaged, these cookies are ideal for sharing with friends and family as thoughtful homemade gifts, ensuring you spread holiday cheer.
Versatile Treats: Craving a different flavor? Swap out the vanilla for almond extract or sprinkle crushed peppermint on the filling for a fun twist!
Memory Makers: As you bake, you’ll create cherished memories, much like those shared around a cup of hot cocoa or with other festive favorites like Christmas Tree Sandwiches.
Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for these delightful festive treats!
For the Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the cookies; use a spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds rich flavor; ensure it is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Crystal Sugar – Coats the cookies for added sweetness and a festive crunch; essential for dusting post-baking.
For the Buttercream Filling
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling; sifting is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Heavy Cream – Helps achieve a rich consistency in the buttercream; add as needed to adjust thickness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the buttercream filling; can be substituted with almond extract for a twist.
- Food Coloring – Red and green gel colors to create the vibrant, festive hues for your buttercream filling.
These Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies come together beautifully and are sure to bring a sprinkle of joy to your holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cubed unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in heavy cream, stirring until the dough forms. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch.
Step 2: Roll and Cut Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out 1½-inch circles. Generously coat each cookie round in crystal sugar, ensuring they are covered on both sides, and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets with some space in between.
Step 3: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are slightly puffed and edged in golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool.
Step 4: Make Filling
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy. If the buttercream is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to adjust the consistency. Once ready, divide the buttercream into two bowls and color one red and the other green using food coloring.
Step 5: Assemble Cookies
To assemble your Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies, use a piping bag to pipe a generous amount of the colored buttercream onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie, gently pressing down to create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are assembled, enjoying the festive colors and delightful flavors as you go!
Expert Tips for Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature, but not overly soft, to get the perfect texture in your cookies.
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Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method for all-purpose flour to prevent dense cookies; measuring by weight is even better if you have a kitchen scale!
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Rolling Dough: Roll your dough to an even thickness of 1/8 inch; uneven thickness can lead to some cookies being crisp and others remaining chewy.
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Chill Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least an hour. This helps to firm it up and makes it easier to handle when cutting shapes.
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Filling Consistency: If your buttercream filling is too thin, sift in more powdered sugar a little at a time; too thick? Just add a splash more heavy cream until it’s smooth.
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Cookie Storage: Store your Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for up to a month; just assemble after thawing!
Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore new flavors and textures with these fun twists to your Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies!
- Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to create a lovely, nutty flavor in your buttercream.
- Chocolate Filling: Use chocolate ganache instead of buttercream for a decadent, rich twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Peppermint Crunch: Stir crushed peppermint candies into the buttercream for a minty pop that screams holiday cheer!
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to both the cookie dough and filling for a bright, refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Nutty Variation: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or walnuts, into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
- Healthier Option: Substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lighter version without sacrificing too much richness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-friendly while maintaining that delightful crunch.
These variations not only personalize your cookie-making experience but can also help create a beautiful array to share, possibly alongside other festive treats like Christmas Deviled Eggs or Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies!
What to Serve with Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
The magic of the holidays truly comes alive when these festive treats grace your dessert table, inviting warmth and joy with every bite.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, hot chocolate perfectly complements the buttery cookies, adding a comforting touch to your holiday experience.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee cut through the sweetness, making for a timeless combination that delights the senses.
- Spiced Eggnog: Enhancing the festive spirit, the creamy and spiced notes of eggnog create a delightful pairing that feels just like Christmas!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the buttery warmth of the cookies, creating a blissful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Festive Fruit Platter: Bright, fresh fruits like pomegranate and citrus provide a refreshing balance, cleansing the palate between bites of sweet treats.
- Sugar Cookies: Pair your indulgence with equally festive sugar cookies for an enchanting cookie platter that delights every guest.
- Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy and savory option, a nutty trail mix adds texture and a satisfying bite, perfect alongside your sweet cookie sandwiches.
- Mulled Wine: The warmth of mulled wine, with its aromatic spices, enhances the holiday vibe, creating a comforting drink to enjoy with your cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Additionally, the cookies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before filling. When ready to assemble, simply whip up the buttercream filling while the cookies cool. For the best results, assemble the cookies just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch and creamy texture. Your festive treats will remain just as delicious, ready to bring holiday cheer to your gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and crispness.
Fridge: For longer storage, you can place the cookies in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just ensure they’re sealed properly to avoid absorbing any odors.
Freezer: Freeze assembled cookies by layering them between parchment paper in an airtight container for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If desired, you can gently warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful texture.
Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right butter for my Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies?
Absolutely! It’s best to use unsalted butter that is at room temperature. Look for quality brands with a creamy color, but avoid overly soft butter as it can lead to a flatter cookie. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into smaller pieces.
What’s the best way to store my Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies?
I recommend keeping your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their crispiness and flavor. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week—just make sure they’re sealed tight to prevent any fridge odors from mingling.
Can I freeze the Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies?
Very! To freeze, layer your assembled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving—this helps retain their delightful texture.
What if my buttercream filling is too thick or too thin?
No worries! If your filling is too thick, simply add a splash of heavy cream, mixing until you reach the desired consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, sift in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up sufficiently. It should be smooth and spreadable to create the perfect filling for your cookies.
Can my Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies be enjoyed by people with dietary restrictions?
Great question! If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, consider using dairy-free butter for those lactose intolerant and gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Just make sure to double-check the powdered sugar and food coloring to ensure they don’t contain any allergens.
How should I know when my cookies are baked perfectly?
Watch for visual cues! Your cookies should be slightly puffed and lightly golden at the edges. If they appear dry or overly brown, they may be over-baked. Once removed, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes; this helps them set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Festive Christmas Shortbread Sandwich Cookies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cubed unsalted butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add heavy cream, stirring until the dough forms. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out 1½-inch circles. Coat each cookie round in crystal sugar, ensuring they are covered on both sides, and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly puffed and edged in golden brown. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy. If the buttercream is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream. Divide the buttercream into two bowls and color one red and the other green.
- Use a piping bag to pipe a generous amount of the colored buttercream onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
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