Shortbread Cookies with Jelly Tots Recipe

If you’re a fan of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and love a sweet, chewy surprise, then these Shortbread Cookies with Jelly Tots are about to become your new favorite treat. Think of it as the ultimate combination of delicate, crumbly shortbread and the playful pop of fruity Jelly Tots—it’s the kind of cookie that will have you going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). These cookies are the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and a colorful twist. Trust me, these will disappear fast, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Shortbread Cookies with Jelly Tots

This recipe isn’t just about making cookies—it’s about creating something fun and delicious that everyone will love. Here’s why these cookies are a total winner:

• Versatile: These cookies work for any occasion! Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat, a fun holiday dessert, or a sweet snack for a party, they’re always the right choice.
• Easy to Make: Don’t worry if you’re not an expert baker. This recipe is simple and easy to follow—perfect for anyone looking to make a batch of delicious cookies without the fuss.
• Customizable: If you don’t have Jelly Tots, no problem! You can swap them out for other fun candies like M&Ms, chocolate chips, or even chopped dried fruit. The shortbread base is perfect for whatever you feel like!
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are so irresistible, they’re perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a family gathering or a work event, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
• Butter Lover’s Dream: If you love rich, buttery cookies, this recipe is calling your name. The shortbread base is smooth, tender, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for these amazing cookies:

Butter: The star of the show! Use room temperature butter for that perfect creamy, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it’s what makes these cookies so irresistible.

Flour: The foundation of your cookies. All-purpose flour creates the light, crumbly texture we’re going for. It gives these shortbread cookies the perfect melt-away bite.

Powdered Sugar: This is what sweetens the cookies just enough. Powdered sugar gives the shortbread its delicate sweetness without being too overpowering, letting that buttery flavor shine through.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic touch to the cookies. Vanilla is the perfect complement to the buttery shortbread base, giving it a sweet, inviting scent and taste.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness. It’s a small ingredient but makes a big difference in how the cookies taste!

Jelly Tots: These colorful, fruity candies add a fun, chewy twist to the cookies. They’re a sweet surprise in every bite and bring a pop of color and flavor that makes these shortbread cookies extra special.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying these delicious cookies in no time:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake, giving your cookies that perfect golden color and texture.

Mix the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is key to getting that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture for your shortbread.

Add the Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can make the cookies too tough. The dough should be soft and a little crumbly.

Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking, so don’t skip this step!

Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press each cookie with a fork to flatten it slightly. This will give your cookies that classic shortbread look.

Add the Jelly Tots: Gently press a few Jelly Tots into the center of each cookie. Don’t press too hard—just enough to make them stick.

Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t over-bake. You want them to be soft and slightly crumbly, not crunchy!

Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 200

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Shortbread Cookies with Jelly Tots

These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to serve them up with something extra, here are a few fun ideas:

• A Cup of Tea or Coffee: Shortbread and tea are a classic combo. These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or coffee break.
• Fruit Salad: For a lighter touch, serve your cookies with a refreshing fruit salad. The fruity Jelly Tots will complement the fresh fruit beautifully.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream would pair wonderfully with these buttery cookies for an indulgent treat.
• Chocolate Fondue: Dip these cookies in melted chocolate for an extra layer of decadence. The sweetness of the shortbread combined with rich chocolate is a crowd-pleaser!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Chill the Dough: If you’re in a rush, you can chill the dough for just 15 minutes, but the longer you chill it, the better the cookies will hold their shape.
• Don’t Overmix: When you’re adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies a little tougher, so keep it light and gentle.
• Make a Double Batch: These cookies disappear fast, so consider making a double batch. They’re perfect for sharing, and they also store well!
• Try Different Toppings: If Jelly Tots aren’t your thing, try swapping them for mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
• Keep the Cookies Fresh: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month if you want to save them for later!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
A1: It’s best to use powdered sugar for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Regular sugar can make the cookies a bit gritty.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum, so the cookies hold together.

Q3: Can I use another candy instead of Jelly Tots?
A3: Absolutely! M&Ms, Skittles, or chopped gummy bears work great as alternatives. You can even use chopped dried fruit for a more natural twist.

Q4: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.

Q5: How do I store leftover cookies?
A5: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month.

Q6: Can I freeze the dough?
A6: Yes! After chilling the dough, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen—add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Q7: Can I add more Jelly Tots to the cookies?
A7: Definitely! If you love Jelly Tots, feel free to add more to the center of each cookie. Just be sure not to overload them, as the candy might spill over while baking.

Q8: What if I don’t have parchment paper?
A8: No worries! You can lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Q9: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A9: While margarine will work, the cookies will have a different texture. Butter gives these shortbread cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth flavor, so I recommend sticking with it if possible.

Q10: Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
A10: Yes! You can mix the dough by hand with a spatula. Just make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Conclusion

Shortbread Cookies with Jelly Tots are the perfect combination of buttery, crumbly goodness and fruity fun. These cookies are quick to make, simple to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy the sweet, chewy, and colorful burst of Jelly Tots in every bite—this cookie recipe is a keeper! Happy baking!

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