Known for their buttery, crumbly nature, Christmas shortbread cookies are a classic holiday dessert perfect for the family. Before you get started, here is what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and flour. Set aside when you are done.
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Once you are satisfied, add the salt and vanilla extract, and beat until well mixed.
Slowly add the flour and butter mixtures and mix until a dough texture develops.
Once you are satisfied with the texture, split the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pour some flour on a surface and roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Next, use various cookie cutters to make your designs.
Once you are happy with your creations, place the cookies on a baking sheet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Don’t let the cookies get too crispy.
Take out the cookies and let them cool for 2-3 minutes before moving to a wire rack where they will cool for longer.
Once the cookies have cooled down, decorate them with icing and sprinkles. There are many different designs to choose from such as reindeer, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, or gingerbread men.

These shortbread cookies will taste wonderful with a cup of hot coco! If you want to make the cookies more interesting, you can add some almond extract or lemon. Enjoy & happy holiday!