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Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites – Soft, Buttery & Addictively Delicious

These Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are tiny, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth squares that taste like classic Christmas shortbread mixed with soft sugar cookie goodness. They’re easy to make, fun to cut, perfect for gifting, and ideal for holiday snacking. Every bite is tender, buttery, lightly sweet, and covered in festive sprinkles for a magical Christmas look. These little cubes are perfect for cookie trays, parties, kids’ treats, and holiday dessert boards.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Chill Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 150 cookie bites
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Milk only if dough needs moisture
For Decoration
  • 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles or any sprinkles you prefer
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Equipment

  • 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. 🔹 PART 1 — MAKE THE DOUGH
Step 1 — Prep Your Pan
  1. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
  2. Leave some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2 — Beat Butter & Sugar
  1. Add softened butter to a bowl.
  2. Beat until creamy.
  3. Add granulated sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
  4. This gives the cookie bites a soft, buttery texture.
Step 3 — Add Vanilla
  1. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
Step 4 — Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  2. Flour
  3. Salt
Step 5 — Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
  1. Add the flour mixture into the butter mixture.
  2. Mix on low speed until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. If the dough seems too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons milk.
Step 6 — Add Sprinkles
  1. Fold in sprinkles gently.
  2. This gives the cookie bites their festive appearance.
  3. 🔹 PART 2 — PRESS & CHILL THE DOUGH
Step 7 — Press Dough Into Pan
  1. Press the dough evenly into the lined pan.
  2. Smooth the top with your hands or a flat cup.
Step 8 — Chill the Dough
  1. Refrigerate the pan for 20–30 minutes.
  2. Chilling helps the dough slice neatly and bake evenly.
  3. 🔹 PART 3 — CUT INTO BITES
Step 9 — Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Step 10 — Cut Into Cubes
  1. Remove chilled dough from the fridge.
  2. Lift out using parchment.
  3. Cut into tiny square bites (½-inch to ¾-inch cubes).
  4. Keep pieces close together on a lined baking sheet.
  5. 🔹 PART 4 — BAKE THE COOKIE BITES
Step 11 — Arrange on Baking Sheet
  1. Transfer cubes to a parchment-lined sheet.
  2. Leave small space between bites.
Step 12 — Bake
  1. Bake 12–16 minutes, depending on size.
  2. Edges should look set and lightly golden.
  3. Do NOT overbake — shortbread stays pale.
Step 13 — Cool Completely
  1. Cool on the baking sheet 10 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a cooling rack.
  3. Once cooled, they become crumbly, tender, and delicious.

Notes

🧊 Storage
Room Temperature
Store in airtight container for 1 week.
Refrigerator
Keeps 10–12 days.
Freezer
Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
🥄 Variations
1. Chocolate-Dipped Bites
Dip half of each bite in melted chocolate.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Bites
Toss warm bites in cinnamon sugar.
3. Birthday Confetti Bites
Use rainbow sprinkles + almond extract.
4. Lemon Shortbread Bites
Add lemon zest and a little lemon juice.
5. Peppermint White Chocolate Bites
Drizzle with peppermint white chocolate + crushed candy canes.
6. Double Vanilla Bites
Use vanilla bean paste for stronger flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why is my dough too crumbly?
Add 1 tablespoon milk at a time until dough holds.
2. Why do my cookie bites spread?
Dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
3. Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce added salt to a pinch.
4. Can I mix in chocolate chips?
Mini chips work great!
5. Can kids help?
Yes — pressing dough and adding sprinkles is kid-friendly.
6. Do these taste like shortbread or sugar cookies?
Both — buttery like shortbread, sweet like sugar cookies.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a 9×13 pan.
8. How do I get clean cuts?
Chill the dough and use a sharp knife.
9. Can I frost these?
Yes — drizzle with icing or dip in white chocolate.
10. What if I want softer bites?
Bake on the lower end of the time (12–13 minutes).
🏁 Conclusion
These Shortbread Sugar Cookie Bites are tiny, buttery, and full of festive charm. With a melt-in-your-mouth crumb and the sweetness of holiday sugar cookies, they make the perfect Christmas treat for parties, gifting, and snacking. They’re easy, adorable, customizable, and guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite. These little cubes deliver buttery richness, sugar cookie sweetness, and colorful sprinkles in every bite.