Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies combine pantry staples—powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and warm holiday spices—to deliver rich, cozy flavor in every bite. A glossy powdered-sugar glaze finishes them for an easy, festive cookie that’s ideal for holiday trays, cookie swaps, or a fun family bake.
This spiced shortbread recipe is a holiday favorite because it’s quick, forgiving, and uses minimal ingredients. The dough comes together easily, chills into a firm, rollable texture, and bakes into tender, buttery cookies with a gentle spice profile. The simple glaze adds shine and lets you control sweetness and color, so they’re perfect for decorating with kids or preparing for parties and cookie exchanges.
Why you’ll love these Christmas Shortbread Cookies
- Easy and beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of any skill level.
- Perfect holiday flavor: A blend of cinnamon and allspice enhances the buttery shortbread for a warm, festive taste.
- Great for decorating: The quick glaze creates a glossy finish and leaves room for sprinkles, piping, or color variations.
Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookie Ingredients
Powdered sugar: ¾ cup powdered sugar adds sweetness and contributes to a tender crumb.
Butter: ¾ cup softened butter gives the dough its rich, buttery base.
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp for warmth and depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour: 1 ⅔ cups, plus a little for dusting when rolling.
Salt: ½ tsp to enhance the flavors.
Spices: 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp allspice for cozy holiday notes.
For the frosting you will need:
Powdered sugar: 2 cups to make a smooth, pipeable glaze.
Water: 2 TBSP (add slowly to reach the right consistency).
Corn syrup: 2 TBSP light corn syrup for a glossy finish that sets nicely.
Tips for making Frosted Shortbread Cookies
Full instructions are in the recipe card below, but these tips will help ensure success:
- Soften the butter fully — Room-temperature butter blends evenly with powdered sugar and prevents a crumbly dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 2 hours — Chilling keeps shapes crisp, stops spreading, and makes cutting easier.
- Adjust the glaze slowly — Add water drop by drop until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-friendly so it remains glossy and sets firm.
How do you store Christmas shortbread cookies?
Allow frosted cookies to set completely before storing to avoid sticking. Layer cookies in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers. Properly stored at room temperature, they will stay fresh for 3–5 days.
Can I freeze these cut out shortbread cookies?
Yes. You can freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2–3 months. Thaw completely, then add the glaze for the best texture and shine.
Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 TBSP water
- 2 TBSP corn syrup
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
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In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a cohesive dough forms.
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Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray if desired.
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Roll the chilled dough to about ½ inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Arrange cookies on prepared sheets, leaving space between each.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.
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Whisk together the powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired.
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Frost the cooled cookies as you like and allow the glaze to set completely before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For longer storage, freeze baked (unfrosted) cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the glaze.
Nutrition
Why do these shortbread cookies not have cornstarch?
This recipe relies on powdered sugar rather than added cornstarch. Powdered sugar already contains a small amount of cornstarch, which helps create a tender texture while keeping the ingredient list short and the dough smooth.
Do I have to chill my shortbread dough?
Yes. Chilling is important for shortbread because the recipe has so few ingredients. Cold dough holds shape better, prevents excessive spreading, and yields a tender, thick cookie. If the dough warms, the butter softens and the cookies can lose their form in the oven.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. The dough can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and stored wrapped in the refrigerator. If it’s very firm when you’re ready to roll, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s easier to handle.
Why are my shortbread cookies tough?
Tough cookies usually result from overworking the dough. Mix just until the ingredients come together—there’s no need to knead. Handling the dough gently limits gluten development and keeps the cookies tender.
Enjoy more of our favorite Christmas Cookie recipes here:
- Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups — festive sugar cookie cups filled with fudge, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles.
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars — soft, thick bars with classic holiday flavor.
- Mint Christmas Cookies — chocolate-dipped and sprinkled for a bright, festive treat.
- Peppermint Fudge Sugar Cookies — buttery cookies paired with chocolate peppermint fudge and crushed candy cane.
- Ginger Molasses Cookies — warmed with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and fresh ginger and rolled in turbinado sugar.
Spiced Christmas Shortbread Cookies are buttery and aromatic, flavored with cinnamon and allspice, and finished with a simple icing for a classic holiday cookie that’s both easy to make and delightful to share.