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Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Thin, crispy and perfect with a cuppa, these shortbread biscuits are made festive with an embossed rolling pin
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or scroll for handy tips and a little nostalgia.

christmas shortbread cookies

These Christmas Shortbread Cookies are made with an 80-year-old shortbread recipe. I’ve also used a beautifully handcrafted embossed rolling pin.

I can see myself enjoying one or two of these with a cuppa in the quiet of the night after a loud and busy Christmas Day.

Sound like a nice idea?

Keep scrolling!

Christmas Shortbread Cookies

The cookies will work equally well with a normal rolling pin, though you can find details on where to buy an embossed rolling pin below. 

Shortbread = Christmas

Shortbread is a traditional Christmas treat that’s loved by many.

If you’re after a delicate shortbread, these shortbread cookies might be your perfect shortbread match. They’re crisp and light with a buttery smoothness.

For a more textured and sweet Scottish Shortbread, you can find our Traditional Scottish Shortbread Recipe here.

Embossed rolling pin recipe

This recipe works well with an embossed rolling pin.

Not all cookie recipes work so well, but the pattern holds together nicely when you use this recipe.

Here we’ve used a Christmas-themed rolling pin, but there are so many wonderful designs to choose from.

Nana Ling’s Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe

Keep scrolling for the tested and tweaked version.

christmas shortbread cookies recipe
christmas shortbread cookies

Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Thin, crispy and perfect with a cuppa, these shortbread biscuits are made festive with an embossed rolling pin
4.38 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Australian, English
Keyword: christmas shortbread cookies, shortbread cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
0 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 131kcal

Equipment

  • embossed rolling pin (optional)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups plain flour (all purpose flour)
  • 2/3 cup rice flour
  • 225 grams butter
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (if necessary to bind mixture together)

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 170 degrees celsius (fan-forced).
  • Cream butter and sugar well. Use a stand mixer if you have one.
  • Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat well to combine.
  • Gradually add sifted dry ingredients, folding to combine.
  • Add enough milk and combine well to ensure mixture binds together.
  • Turn mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead well. "The longer the better" says Nana Ling in her original recipe.
  • Roll mixture out to 2-3mm thickness. Use an embossed rolling pin if you have one to add a decorative finish.
  • Cut rounds using a cookie cutter and use a spatula to transfer to a baking tray lined with baking paper.
  • Place into the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 68mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Recipe Rating




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Angela

Wednesday 21st of December 2022

Why did my pattern disappear on my shortbread while baking

Libby Hakim

Thursday 22nd of December 2022

Hi Angela. The shortbread has spread too much - try popping the tray in the fridge for about half an hour before baking next time to help it keep its shape. (I'll add that tip to the recipe, too) Thanks for the feedback.

Patti Bradley

Tuesday 15th of December 2020

I need the conversion of recipe to make these cookies.

Libby

Wednesday 16th of December 2020

Hi Patti. There should be a US conversion tab you can click on. I can't see it though - will have to follow that up. In the meantime, here's a conversion chart: https://www.cookingwithnanaling.com/kitchen-measurements-conversion-chart/ Libby :)

Libby

Wednesday 16th of December 2020

Hi Patti. There should be a US conversion tab - though I can't see it so will have to look at why it's not appearing. Sorry. Here's a conversion chart in the meantime: https://www.cookingwithnanaling.com/kitchen-measurements-conversion-chart/. Thanks! Libby :)

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