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Decorated Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing in festive shapes and colors.

Christmas Shortbread Cookies with Icing

Delicious and festive shortbread cookies that are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations. Topped with simple icing, they are sure to impress.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients
  • 1 cup real butter, softened Do not use margarine or butter blends.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Main ingredient for structure.
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Optional for extra flavor.
Icing Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For icing.
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water To thin the icing.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavor for the icing.
  • a pinch salt To enhance flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Gradually add in the flour and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Roll out the dough on parchment paper to desired thickness and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  7. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are barely golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Icing
  1. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk or water, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  2. When cookies are completely cooled, decorate them with icing using your preferred method.

Notes

Chill the dough before rolling for best results. Experiment with various flavorings and decorations for festive touches.