Description
These Easter Shortbread Cookie Bites are buttery, tender, and lightly sweet with a delightful crunch from colorful sprinkles. Perfectly sized for snacking or sharing during festive celebrations, these cookies bring a classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with fun, decorative sprinkles that enhance their appearance and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Decoration
- Colorful sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your dough is prepared.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the pure vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually mix this dry blend into the butter mixture to form the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This resting period helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add Sprinkles: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, sprinkle colorful decorations on top. The warmth will help the sprinkles adhere beautifully to the cookies.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be just lightly golden to maintain their delicate texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and reduce cleanup.
- Chilling the dough is essential for easy handling and prevents spreading during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.