🍪 Simple 4 Ingredient Holiday Cookies (Perfect for Busy Bakers!)
The holiday season is officially here, and that means delicious treats, family gatherings, and festive celebrations in kitchens all across the country. If you are looking for an easy cookie recipe to impress your friends, neighbors, or coworkers, I have a simple and buttery favorite straight from Melissa from Baking with Melissa’s Sweet Treat Recipes Book. These delicious shortbread cookies only require four common ingredients, which makes them perfect for last-minute baking!
Since I host Baking Birthday Parties in Los Angeles, Cupcake Decorating Parties, and Cooking Birthday Parties, I know how much joy a simple baking project can bring. Kids and adults love recipes that are quick, delicious, and fun to make.
As the holidays get closer, these cookies are a wonderful option to bake with your family. They are also ideal to bring to school parties, office potlucks, dessert exchanges, and cookie trays.
⭐ Before You Start
The secret to this recipe is making sure your butter is fully softened before mixing. Soft butter creates the perfect texture and helps the dough come together easily.
You can enjoy these cookies as they are or add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles for extra holiday magic!
🍪 4 Ingredient Shortbread Cookies
Makes approximately 12 to 15 cookies
(Feel free to double the batch if you want more!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted or unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or holiday toppings (measure with your heart)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the flour and mix until combined.
- Scoop out cookie dough with a cookie scoop or spoon and place onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges look set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and enjoy!
These cookies are tender, lightly sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They also store beautifully in airtight containers, which makes them a wonderful treat to share or gift.
🎁 Want More Recipes Like This?
If you enjoyed this simple and tasty bake, you can support my small business by downloading my printable cookbook HERE.
👩🍳 A Little About Baking with Melissa
Since 2011, I have been hosting Baking Birthday Parties in Los Angeles, Cupcake Wars style parties, Cupcake Decorating Parties, and Virtual Employee Engagement Events for families and companies around the world. I bring all of the supplies, ingredients, and fun, so parents can relax and enjoy the celebration.
If you ever want a memorable, hands-on party experience for kids, teens, or even corporate teams, I would love to bake with you!
Happy baking and happy holidays! If you make these cookies, please tag me on Instagram or Facebook and say hello at @bakingwithmelissa so I can see your creations. 😊
