Shortbread christmas trees

These Shortbread Christmas Trees combine rich butter and vanilla flavors with sweet white chocolate for a festive treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they're easy to make and beautifully decorated.

24 Dec 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 160 min

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white rice flour
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup white chocolate
Shortbread christmas trees

Embrace the holiday spirit with these delightful Shortbread Christmas Trees. These cookies blend the rich flavors of butter and vanilla with the sweetness of white chocolate, creating a treat that is both festive and irresistibly delicious. Whether you're baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these shortbread cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Vanilla Extract:
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Incorporate the Flours:
Gradually add the white rice flour and all-purpose wheat flour to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. If the dough is too soft to roll, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Cut Out the Tree Shapes:
Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cookie cutouts onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake as shortbread cookies can quickly become too crisp.
8. Cool the Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate with White Chocolate:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
10. Drizzle and Decorate:
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the shortbread Christmas trees using a fork or piping bag. You can also dip half of each cookie into the melted chocolate for a festive look.
11. Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the white chocolate has fully set. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to speed up the process.
12. Enjoy and Share:
Serve your beautiful Shortbread Christmas Trees with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage. These cookies also make a wonderful gift for friends and family!

Your Shortbread Christmas Trees are now ready to be enjoyed! These festive cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Their rich, buttery texture paired with the subtle sweetness of white chocolate makes them a holiday favorite that everyone will love. Happy holidays and happy baking!

Shortbread christmas trees FAQ:

What is the baking time for Shortbread Christmas Trees?

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as shortbread can quickly overbake.

How can I tell if my shortbread cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges turn a light golden brown. They should not be browned too much, as this can make them too crisp.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe for dietary restrictions?

If you need a gluten-free option, ensure to use certified gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of the regular all-purpose white wheat flour. However, not all substitutions guarantee the same texture.

What is the best way to store leftover Shortbread Christmas Trees?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their texture, avoid refrigerating them.

What type of white chocolate should I use for drizzling?

Use good quality white chocolate chips or bar chocolate that melts well. Avoid baking chocolates labeled as 'baking white chocolate,' as they may not melt smoothly.

Tips:

- Ensure the butter is at room temperature before mixing; this helps to achieve a smooth, creamy texture in the dough.

- Chill the dough before rolling it out; this makes it easier to handle and helps maintain the shape of your Christmas tree cookies.

- For a more uniform shape, use a Christmas tree cookie cutter.

- Decorate your shortbread trees with sprinkles or edible glitter before baking for a festive touch.

- Keep a close eye on the cookies in the oven; they should be lightly golden on the edges but not browned for the perfect shortbread texture.

- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with melted white chocolate to ensure the chocolate sets nicely.

Nutrition per serving

18 Servings
Calories 200kcal
Protein 2.08g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 0.35g
Sugar 9g
Fat 12g

More recipes

Orange shortbread crescents

Delightful orange shortbread cookies shaped into crescents.

11 Nov 2025

Chocolate gingerbread trees

Delicious chocolate gingerbread cookies shaped like trees.

17 Jan 2026

Rich and fudgy double chocolate cookies

Indulge in these rich, fudgy double chocolate cookies with candies.

25 Dec 2025

Spiced hazelnut and orange biscotti

Enjoy crunchy spiced hazelnut and orange biscotti, perfect for coffee!

05 Jan 2026

Lite almond, pine nut and orange macaroons

Light almond and orange macaroons with pine nuts.

25 Nov 2025

Orange scones

Fluffy orange scones, perfect for breakfast or tea.

18 Jan 2026

Melting moments

Delicate orange-infused melting moments cookies for any occasion.

19 Dec 2025

Orange pistachio shortbreads

Buttery orange pistachio shortbreads, perfect for sharing.

25 Dec 2025

Posts