Delicious Christmas Pastels: A Festive Holiday Treat

Celebrate the holiday season with these delicious and eye-catching Christmas pastels. These sweet treats are perfect for parties or as a homemade gift. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and filled with a creamy and fruity filling, these pastels are sure to impress everyone. The festive colors and flavors make them an instant hit during the Christmas season. Follow this easy recipe and enjoy the joy of baking and sharing.

Ingredients

• For the Shortbread Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Assorted food coloring and flavors for desired colors and flavors
• Christmas-themed sprinkles for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar for the shortbread crust.
3. Add the cold and cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour-sugar mixture until it resembles fine crumbs.
4. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until the dough starts to come together.
5. Transfer the dough into the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
7. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by beating the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8. Divide the filling into smaller bowls, based on how many colors and flavors you desire for the pastels.
9. Add a few drops of food coloring and a dash of flavoring (such as strawberry, peppermint, or lemon) to each bowl. Mix well until the desired colors and flavors are achieved.
10. Once the shortbread crust has cooled, spread each flavored filling over the crust, creating a rainbow of colors. Smooth the filling with a spatula.
11. Decorate the top of the filled pastel with Christmas-themed sprinkles or any other festive decoration of your choice.
12. Refrigerate the pastels for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm.
13. Once firm, remove the pastels from the baking dish and cut them into squares or bars using a sharp knife.
14. Serve and enjoy these festive Christmas pastels!

Interesting Facts