Is there anything more delightful than the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through a cozy home? Imagine coming in from the crisp winter air, your cheeks a little rosy, to the inviting scent of buttery Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks. These treats are not just snacks; they hold the warmth of family traditions and joyful moments. Each bite is perfectly crumbly, melting on your tongue, with a sprinkle of sweetness bringing comfort to any chilly evening.

Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks

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Buttery Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks that melt in your mouth, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Author: amanda-miller
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
Green and red sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
1 tablespoon icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Gather the dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick and cut into Christmas tree strips.
Place on prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with decorations if desired.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Can freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 sticks
Calories: 150
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Let’s Make It Together

Making these lovely Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks is a heartwarming experience you can share with loved ones. Start by gathering your ingredients, and let’s create a batch that will fill your home with love and laughter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
Green and red sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
1 tablespoon icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy. The texture should be creamy, and the sweetness should fill your home with warmth. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring that it blends with the creamy butter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. This blend adds that delightful crumbly texture we all love in shortbread. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a smooth dough forms. You’re aiming for a texture that’s soft but holds together nicely.
Gather the dough into a rectangle shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is vital for the dough to firm up and makes it easier to roll out later.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It’s always lovely to hear the comforting hum of the oven warming up, don’t you think?
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. The sound of the rolling pin gliding over the dough creates a little music in the kitchen. Cut the dough into strips resembling Christmas trees. Ah, the holiday cheer begins to unfold!
Place these on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them, and sprinkle the decorations on top if desired. The colors will bring a festive cheer to your baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them; you’ll love the way they transform in the oven, releasing that buttery scent into the air.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar if desired once completely cooled. Remember, the wait is worth it for that first bite of warm shortbread!

Nutritional Snapshot

Serving Size: 2 sticks
Calories: 150
Protein: 1 g
Carbs: 20 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 0 g

This delightful shortbread gives you a light treat perfect for holiday gatherings and quiet moments alike, keeping that cozy feeling without weighing you down.

When to Enjoy It

Imagine serving these Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks during a family dinner, where laughter fills the air. They make a delightful addition to your brunch table alongside steaming cups of cocoa or coffee. Picture curling up on the sofa with a few of these treats, a plaid blanket wrapped around you, and a heartwarming movie playing in the background. They fit perfectly in any festive setting, making those moments even more special.

Smart Storage Tricks

To keep your Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (though you might not!), you can also freeze them in a sealable bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature and enjoy the magic all over again!

Betty’s Secrets

For an even richer flavor, use high-quality vanilla extract and fresh butter. The difference is noticeable!
Don’t skip the fridge time; it helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture we all adore.
If you want a festive touch, experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint!
Wrap each stick in festive cellophane and tie it with a ribbon for a delightful gift.

Creative Twists

Try adding a hint of citrus zest—lemon or orange will brighten the flavor.
For an autumn twist, mix in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
If you want a chocolatey surprise, fold in mini chocolate chips for an added layer of delight.

Your Questions Answered

How do I make the dough less sticky? If your dough feels sticky, a light dusting of flour while rolling it out can help you manage it better.

Can I replace the butter? You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though it may alter the texture slightly.

How can I make these gluten-free? Using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour works beautifully!

Can I decorate these shortbread sticks in advance? Absolutely! Decorate them ahead of time, store them properly, and they will be ready for your holiday festivities.