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Christmas Elf Bites
Elf Bites – or as my kids fondly call them, Reindeer Bites, are light and crispy and so pretty in a cookie tin or on a Christmas cookie platter. They’re quick and easy to make, so if you need something in a hurry, these are perfect! Oh, one word of warning – they can be habit forming!!! It’s so easy to just grab a few every time you walk by a plate of these little bite sized treats.
I think one of my favorite things about these Elf Bites is that they aren’t overly sweet. I know at this time of year it can be challenging to exercise restraint with all the yummy treats, so something without too much sugar can be a welcome change. Of course, they’re definitely a treat; basically a shortbread cookie with nonpareils (paid link). A nice tender bite with a hint of almond. These are always a favorite with friends and family! If you don’t like almond flavor, substitute vanilla!
What You’ll Need for Christmas Elf Bites:
- butter
- sugar
- almond extract
- flour
- salt
- nonpareils
How to Make:
Beat together the softened butter, sugar, and almond extract. Stir in the flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together in a ball. Stir in the nonpareils.
Place a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Scoop dough onto the plastic wrap and using your fingers, form the dough into a rectangle that’s about 5″ x 6″. Square up sides and smooth the top. I like to place another piece of plastic wrap on top and smooth the dough out by rubbing gently across the top.
Remove the top plastic wrap and cut the dough into about 3/4″ strips. Turn dough and cut, crosswise, into 3/4″ cubes. Approximately. Sprinkle a few extra nonpareils on top of the cubes and gently press with your fingertips.
Transfer Christmas Elf Bites to a nonstick baking sheet and bake in a 325° F oven for 12 to 14 minutes; just until they start to turn a golden brown on the bottom. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp. almond extract
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 4 tsp. multi-color nonpareils, + a little extra for top of cookies
Directions
Heat oven to 325° F.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter, sugar, and almond extract. Beat on medium-speed until creamy, scrape down bowl frequently.
- Add flour and salt; mix on low speed until well combined. Stir in nonpareils.
- Lay a sheet of plastic food wrap on work surface. Scoop dough onto plastic wrap. Carefully shape dough into a 5" x 6" rectangle. Cut into 3/4" squares. Sprinkle some nonpareils on top of the dough and press very gently.
- Place squares on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes; just until bottoms begin to lightly brown. Cool on baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.
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