Name: Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 115 g unsalted butter, softened (1 stick / ½ cup / 4 oz); 50 g caster sugar (superfine sugar) (1 ¾ oz); 130 g plain flour (all-purpose flour) (1 cup / ~4 ½ oz); 40 g rice flour (~1 ½ tbsp); 2 tablespoons caster sugar (superfine sugar); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon allspice; Pinch ground nutmeg; Pinch ground ginger; ½ teaspoon dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, delicious treat to brighten up your holiday season, this Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a subtle blend of warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger, perfectly balancing sweetness and festive cheer. These shortbread cookies are not only super simple to make, but they fill your kitchen with the kind of scent that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. Plus, with their delicate crisp edges and tender center, they’re just as irresistible to nibble on as they are to gift to friends and family during this joyful season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand holds a small star-shaped cookie being dipped into a clear glass bowl filled with a cinnamon and sugar mixture, showing the cookie covered in a light brown powder. Nearby on the left, there is a cooling rack holding two neat rows of plain star-shaped cookies that are light golden brown with slightly darker edges. Above the cookies is another clear glass bowl containing melted yellow butter with a green silicone brush resting on the cooling rack next to it. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create its rich texture, buttery flavor, and those signature warming spices. Each item is handpicked to give you the perfect balance between softness and crunch.

Unsalted butter (115 g): Softened for easier mixing, butter provides the rich, tender crumb that is essential in shortbread.
Caster sugar (50 g + 2 tbsp): Its fine texture ensures the dough is smooth and contributes just the right amount of sweetness and crispness.
Plain flour (130 g): The base of our dough, giving structure and that familiar shortbread bite.
Rice flour (40 g): A secret to that crumbly, delicate texture that makes these cookies truly special.
Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds warm spice without overpowering the classic shortbread flavor.
Allspice (¼ tsp): Brings a subtle complexity with notes reminiscent of cloves and nutmeg.
Ground nutmeg (pinch): Offers a sweet, nutty aroma for that festive touch.
Ground ginger (pinch): Gives just a whisper of warmth and brightness.
Dark brown sugar (½ tsp): Sprinkled on top for a lovely caramel-like sweetness and gorgeous color.
Unsalted butter (1 tbsp, melted): Used for brushing to help the spice mix stick and add extra richness.

How to Make Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (that’s 350°F or 160°C fan forced). Then, line two baking trays with parchment paper to make sure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Setting up properly at the beginning means everything will go smoothly once the dough is ready.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring that your shortbread will be tender and melt-in-your-mouth rather than dense.

Step 3: Mix the Flours

Sift together your plain flour and rice flour. The sifting helps avoid lumps and makes blending into the butter mixture easier. Add the flour mix gradually to your creamed butter and sugar, beating until everything just comes together and forms clumps.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your surface, then gather the dough and shape it into a ball. Roll it out to about 5 to 6 millimeters thick – this thickness ensures a satisfying bite that’s neither too cakey nor too crumbly. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out festive shapes, then re-roll the scraps to maximize your yield. Transfer the shaped dough carefully onto prepared trays using a palette knife to keep their perfect form intact.

Step 5: Bake Until Edges are Golden

Bake the cookies for approximately 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to pick up a gentle golden hue. Be careful not to overdo it; you want just the right level of crispness with tender centers.

Step 6: Prepare the Spiced Sugar Coating

While the cookies are baking, mix together the dry spice ingredients, including cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, and dark brown sugar. Rub them well between your fingers to combine thoroughly and release those wonderful aromas.

Step 7: Brush and Coat with Spice Mix

Once the cookies are out of the oven and still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Then, flip each cookie into the spice mix so that the bottom gets a beautiful, flavorful coating. This adds a layer of festive sparkle and richness that makes these shortbreads truly standout.

How to Serve Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe

A close-up view of several star-shaped cookies layered flat on crinkled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The cookies have a golden brown color with a visible coating of granular cinnamon sugar, giving them a slightly rough texture. The stars vary in size, with some larger stars overlapping smaller ones, creating depth. The edges are slightly raised and the surface shows a fine grainy coating throughout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few finely chopped nuts like toasted pecans or almonds on top of the spice mix before it sets for extra texture and a nutty note. You can even dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday effect that looks as magical as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These shortbreads pair wonderfully with a warm cup of mulled wine, spiced cider, or a classic hot chocolate. Their subtle spice profile complements the warmth and sweetness of these drinks, making any holiday gathering feel extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the shortbread cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a red ribbon for a charming gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter alongside seasonal fruits like cranberries or orange slices to brighten the table and add a splash of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them crisp but still tender, perfect for nibbling as the holiday season rolls on.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies comfortably for up to three months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled first, then store them in a sealed container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking or breakage.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your shortbread warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use other spices instead of the ones listed?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or cloves. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so start with small amounts to maintain the delicate balance that makes this Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe so special.

Is rice flour necessary for this recipe?

Rice flour is key for that wonderfully crumbly texture which sets this shortbread apart from others. While you can try substituting it with cornstarch or more plain flour, the texture may be less tender.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of plain flour. Make sure the blend you choose works well for baking and consider adding a bit more rice flour to keep that signature crumble.

How long will these shortbreads stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. They’re best enjoyed within this time for optimal texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to cut out cookies without them sticking?

Lightly flour your cookie cutters and the rolling surface to prevent sticking. Also, chilling the dough briefly before rolling can help maintain shape and make cutting easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing the Spiced Christmas Shortbread Recipe during the holiday season. It’s simple, comforting, and invites everyone to pause and enjoy a little sweet indulgence. So why not give this recipe a try, bake a batch or two, and fill your home with the unmistakable scent of Christmas warmth and sweetness? Trust me, once you taste these spiced delights, you’ll be reaching for this recipe every winter.