jojos_pastry; adapted by JojoM

Make four festive diamond shortbread flavors from one versatile dough: vanilla, candied orange, cocoa, and speculoos—perfect for Christmas gift boxes.
If you’re looking for a Christmas shortbread recipe that feels both professional and effortless, this one-dough method is pure French patisserie magic 🇫🇷. With a single buttery base, you can create four diamond shortbread flavors—vanilla, candied orange, cocoa, and speculoos—perfect for holiday cookie gift boxes or festive dessert platters.
These French sablé biscuits are rich yet delicate, slice-and-bake friendly, and ideal for making ahead during the busy Christmas season 🎄.
Using one neutral, well-balanced base dough ensures:
This approach is widely used in professional bakeries for diamond shortbread cookies designed for gifting 🎁.
The foundation is a traditional butter-forward sablé dough made with icing sugar for tenderness and egg yolks for richness. The result is:
The dough is intentionally neutral, allowing each variation to shine.
Once divided, each portion transforms into a distinct cookie—ideal for one dough four flavors cookies.
Elegant and aromatic, made with real vanilla seeds for a refined bakery-style finish.
Bright and festive, with finely diced candied peel adding subtle chew and citrus depth.
Lightly chocolatey without overpowering the butter—perfectly balanced and not too sweet.
Warm, spiced, and deeply comforting, this version captures the essence of Christmas baking.
Shaping the dough into logs makes this recipe:
Bake gently at a low temperature so the cookies stay pale and tender, just like classic French sablé biscuits.
These cookies were designed with gifting in mind:
They pair effortlessly with other Christmas baking classics and elevate any festive cookie assortment.
This diamond shortbread cookie recipe is a reliable, elegant staple for the holidays. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or assembling refined gift boxes, this one-dough French sablé method delivers consistency, beauty, and flavor every time 🍪💫
Make four festive diamond shortbread flavors from one versatile dough: vanilla, candied orange, cocoa, and speculoos—perfect for Christmas gift boxes.

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Cream the softened butter with icing sugar until smooth.
Mix in the egg yolks until fully incorporated.
Add the flour and mix just until a uniform dough forms.
Divide the dough evenly into four portions.
Knead vanilla seeds into the first dough.
Fold candied orange peel into the second dough.
Incorporate sifted cocoa powder into the third dough.
Mix speculoos spices into the final dough.
Shape each dough into logs, wrap, and chill until firm.
Preheat the oven to 160°C fan.
Slice logs into 1.5 cm thick rounds.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until just set, without browning.
Cool completely before storing or gifting.
12/15/2024
Beautiful texture and not too sweet. I rolled the logs in sugar before slicing.
12/12/2024
The speculoos version was a hit with my family. Easy and very French.
12/10/2024
So clever using one dough for four flavors. Perfect for my Christmas cookie boxes!
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Serving Size: 1 cookie
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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The Heirloom Pantry's Kat and Alec adapted by JojoM