4 Ingredient Elf Cookie Bites

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These adorable Elf Cookie Bites are small, bite-size buttery shortbread cookie bites with a cheerful sprinkling of Christmas candy sprinkle cheer!

I like to tell the grand nieces that these are “elf on the shelf cookies, ” which the little mischievous elf eats in between all the troublemaking. So let’s eat them all so he can’t get up to more mischief and eat the little treats!

(Works every time. Not that I have to convince them of anything when it comes to cookies!).

I love this recipe for these super fun cookie bites because they’re a great size for little hands and the sprinkles just get that festive vibe for the holidays on the go.

The ingredients are all in your pantry, except maybe for the sprinkles which they’re easily bought online. It’s a small batch recipe so the cookies are bite-sized, which makes you think you’re eating quite a few but in reality, it’s really not that much.

Plus.. hey, it’s the holidays. Calories disappear during the festive season, right?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter – I like to use butter for my baking if I have it on hand, but if not, you can use margarine or plant-based butter if you prefer.
• All-purpose Flour
• Sugar – Use regular sugar, no special sugar is needed.
• Vanilla – Extract (which I used), or paste can be used.
• Salt – (Optional) Literally all you need is a pinch but if you use salted butter, that no need to add extra salt.
• Sprinkles – Festive, adorable, cutie patootie candy sprinkles!

Step-by-Step Directions For The Holiday Magic

PREP STEP: Take the butter out ahead of time so that it comes to room temperature and becomes soft. When you’re ready to start the recipe, preheat the oven to 375F.

STEP 1: Cream the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.

STEP 2: Add the flour in batches and mix. The dough should be soft and not sticky.

STEP 3: Form a 4*6-inch rectangle on parchment paper for baking. Scatter the sprinkles on top, pressing them onto the surface of the dough. Cut the dough into squares.

STEP 4: Separate these squares and bake the cookie bites for 7-10 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom. Remove and let them cool completely.

Check the printable recipe card below for complete ingredient amounts, and exact directions with tips and tricks to make this recipe perfect every time.  

Keeping The Elf Bites Fresh

To store the cookie bites, placing them in a lidded, air-tight container at room temperature will keep them tasting great for about a week. Putting them in the fridge will keep them fresher, and longer, approximately 2 weeks.

If you want to keep them up for a few months, place them in a freezer-friendly container separated (or wrapped) with parchment paper. The paper is optional, but I find it really helps to give extra insurance to preserve the freshness.

Switchin’ It Up

To make these cookie bites different every time you make them, try using a different sprinkle candy on top (crushed candy canes or chocolate chips or coconut shavings).

Switching up the dough is also a great option. Adding some chopped/crushed candies, or orange zest and chopped cranberries would not only be delicious but beautiful too! Sprinkling your favorite candied nuts on top or inside the dough would be incredibly delicious too!

Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Holiday Dessert Spread

Add these sweet elf cookie bites to a dessert platter with 4 Ingredient Snowman Poop, Oreo Truffle Ornaments, Chocolate dipped Oranges, and super cute Pretzel Almond Bark would make the most epic Christmas holiday dessert platter ever!

Or, just remind the little ones that the hardworking Santa’s elves also need a few cookies and milk left out the night Santa comes to deliver presents!

Regardless of how you present these cookies, they’re going to be a hit, especially with the little ones!

Recipe Q&A’s

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear what you thought about it by leaving a comment and a star rating below in the recipe card! If you want to ask me questions about the recipe directly, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. Have a fantastic day!