Cute Elf Bites Mini Holiday Shortbread Cookies
These adorable little shortbread cookies, which we shall call Elf Bites, are the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. They’re tiny, Christmasy, and are a cute treat for elves while Santa enjoys his cookies.
It’s easy to whip up a batch of 100 mini Christmas cookies. Add them to holiday dessert tables, goody bags, or even a Christmas cookie swap. This post contains affiliate links.
Mini Christmas Shortbread Bites
We just can’t get enough of mini cookies. These Elf Bites are the perfect example of why. They are simple to make, fun to share, and perfect for so many magical holiday moments. Kids can add them to Santa’s Christmas Eve treat tray as a gift to the elves.
They are also great fillers for dessert boards, sprinkle them into cookie tins, or add them to your homemade food gifts. These buttery little triangles are fun to pop into your mouth however you choose.
This is the same recipe as our Fairy Shortbread Bites with holiday sprinkles. Another cute idea are these Santa’s Button shortbread bites.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Just simple ingredients
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the mixture until it becomes crumbly.
Gently fold in the nonpareils.
Add water to the dough and toss it gently. Knead the mixture with your hands until it forms a smooth dough.
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Use a pastry cutter or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small 1/2-inch triangles.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just starting to turn golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.
Similar Recipes
If you love the idea of these Elf Bites, we have many other shortbread bites to try. Make Galaxy Shortbread Bites with out of this world colors and edible cosmic glitter. Whip up some Grinch Bites for another Christmas green cookie with red hearts. Don’t forget Mermaid Shortbread Bites for your next under the sea themed birthday. And, for laughs and magical vibes, these Mini Unicorn Poop Piles are a hit with kids.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Swap the sprinkles: Use any color or theme to match the occasion.
Change the shape: Try circles, stars, or squares instead of triangles.
Make them gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add flavor: Mix in a little vanilla or almond extract for extra taste.
Add a drizzle: Top with melted white chocolate or icing after baking.
Tools you’ll need
Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use cold butter: It makes the dough crumbly.
- Knead the dough: Stirring won’t form a ball.
- Flour your surface: Prevents sticking when rolling.
- Work quickly: Cold dough is easier to handle.
- Watch the oven: Bake until bottoms just brown.
- Use nonpareils: They work best.
Recipe Notes & FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before rolling and baking.
What if my dough feels too dry?
Add a tiny splash of water and knead again until it comes together.
Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but chilling can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Shortbread Elf Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment Paper
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter cold and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp Christmas nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Add butter and use a pastry blender to cut butter into the flour mixture until crumbly. Fold in nonpareils.1 ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, ½ cup butter, 3 tbsp Christmas nonpareils
- Add water to dough and toss to combine. Knead mixture with hands until a smooth dough forms.2 tbsp water
- Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Use a pastry cutter or pizza cutter to cut dough into 1/2-inch triangles. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until bottoms of cookies just begin to brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Knead dough to form a smooth ball; stirring isn’t enough.
- A 2.1 oz container of sprinkles is plenty.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Nutrition
Our Favorite
Christmas Cookies
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If you try these Elf Bites, I’d love to see how they turn out! Share your creations on social media and tag me so I can take a look.
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