Buttery Christmas Shortbread

The holiday season brings with it a delightful array of traditions, and for many, baking occupies a special place among them. Whether you’re preparing a bountiful spread for festive gatherings, contributing to a vibrant cookie exchange, or simply aiming to craft an unforgettable holiday cookie platter for your loved ones, these Christmas shortbread cookies are an absolute triumph. Their timeless appeal and festive charm make them an indispensable addition to your seasonal baking repertoire, promising smiles and sweet memories with every bite.

At their core, these enchanting cookies are a classic, impeccably buttery shortbread, elevated with a touch of holiday magic. We adorn them with vibrant holiday colors and stud them with irresistible chocolatey goodness, transforming a simple treat into a visual and culinary spectacle. What makes them even more appealing is their incredible ease of preparation – a truly effortless recipe that yields stunning results, perfect for even the most bustling holiday schedules.

Beyond their inherent charm, these shortbread cookies offer a canvas for your creativity. Feel free to infuse them with your unique signature by incorporating additional ingredients, experimenting with different color palettes, or shaping them into various festive designs using your favorite cookie cutters. Imagine elegant stars, charming reindeer, or classic round cookies, each telling a story of holiday cheer.

Even if this marks your inaugural journey into making shortbread cookies, you’ll discover this recipe to be an incredibly straightforward and enjoyable path to creating the most perfect Christmas cookies. Their simplicity belies their sophistication, making them accessible for novice bakers while still impressing seasoned dessert connoisseurs.

The allure of homemade cookies during the Christmas season is undeniable. There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home, and these shortbread cookies deliver that quintessential holiday experience. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the cheerful red and green decorations, makes them not just a dessert, but a celebration of the season itself. From adorning your holiday table to being thoughtfully wrapped as edible gifts, these cookies are versatile and guaranteed to spread joy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Baking shortbread, while seemingly simple, often prompts a few common questions, especially for those new to this delightful cookie style. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help ensure your Christmas shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Should I refrigerate my shortbread dough before baking?

Absolutely! Chilling your shortbread dough is a crucial step that can significantly impact the final texture and shape of your cookies. Placing the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to overnight, allows the butter to solidify and the dough to firm up. This cooling process prevents the dough from spreading excessively while baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their beautiful shape and tender, crumbly texture. Don’t skip this step for the best results!

Can I use confectioners’ sugar instead of granulated sugar in shortbread?

While granulated sugar is the traditional choice for shortbread and contributes to its classic crisp yet tender texture, you can certainly experiment with confectioners’ sugar. Some bakers prefer the finer texture that powdered sugar provides, which can result in a slightly softer, more delicate crumb. If you opt for confectioners’ sugar, remember that it often contains a small amount of cornstarch to prevent caking, which can subtly alter the cookie’s structure. For a truly authentic shortbread experience, sticking to granulated sugar is recommended, but don’t hesitate to try variations to suit your preference.

What is the ideal texture for shortbread once it’s baked?

Perfectly baked shortbread should strike a delicate balance between tenderness and crispness. When it first comes out of the oven, it should feel somewhat tender to the touch, perhaps even a little soft in the center. However, as it cools, it develops its signature crisp, crumbly quality. The edges should be lightly golden, indicating a beautiful caramelization, while the center remains pale. The ultimate test is in the bite: it should be firm enough to hold its shape but melt effortlessly in your mouth.

How can I prepare Christmas Shortbread Cookies in advance?

These shortbread cookies are fantastic for making ahead, which is a huge advantage during the busy holiday season. You have a couple of options: you can prepare the dough in advance, or bake the cookies and freeze them. For dough, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If you need more time, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen; just ensure they are completely cooled before freezing to prevent sticking and moisture issues.

Discover More Festive Blossom Cookies

If you’re captivated by the charm of these Christmas Shortbread Kiss Cookies, you’ll adore exploring other delightful blossom-style treats. These cookies often feature a soft base with a sweet center, making them perfect for any occasion.

Proper Storage for Your Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Ensuring your delectable shortbread cookies remain fresh and flavorful is key to enjoying them throughout the holiday season. The good news is that shortbread cookies are quite resilient and can be stored in various ways, extending their shelf life considerably.

• Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, store your baked and cooled shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
• Refrigerator: To extend their freshness even further, place the shortbread cookies in an airtight container or a large resealable freezer bag and refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks. This is particularly useful if your kitchen tends to be warm or humid.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, shortbread cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. To prevent the cookies from sticking together and to preserve their delicate decoration, separate layers with parchment paper or wax paper. Thaw them at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Essential Tips for Baking the Best Christmas Shortbread Cookies

While these Christmas shortbread cookies are designed to be simple, a few expert tips and shortcuts can elevate your baking experience and ensure truly perfect results. Following these guidelines will help you achieve that coveted tender yet crisp texture every time.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: This is paramount for shortbread. Ensure your unsalted butter and any other dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together easily and evenly with the sugar, creating a smooth, cohesive dough without overmixing. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy dough and a less uniform cookie texture.
• Prevent Sticky Dough: Shortbread dough can sometimes be a bit sticky. To prevent it from adhering to your hands while shaping, lightly rub your palms with a neutral cooking spray or a small amount of cooking oil. This trick makes handling the dough much easier and cleaner.
• Chill the Dough Religiously: As mentioned in our FAQs, chilling the dough is non-negotiable. This step is crucial for solidifying the butter, which in turn prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. A well-chilled dough will hold its shape beautifully, giving you perfectly formed shortbread with crisp edges.
• Do Not Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies instead of the desired tender, crumbly texture.
• Even Baking: For uniform baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This helps to ensure all cookies brown evenly, especially if your oven has hot spots.

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Christmas Shortbread Cookies

One of the beauties of classic shortbread is its reliance on a few high-quality, simple ingredients. This recipe is no exception, calling for basic pantry staples that transform into a truly extraordinary holiday treat. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the signature rich flavor and tender texture of these Christmas shortbread cookies.

• Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): The star of shortbread! Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content. Ensuring it’s at room temperature is crucial for proper creaming and dough consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crispness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth of flavor that complements the buttery richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the cookie. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
• Hershey’s Kisses Candies (Unwrapped): The iconic “kiss” adds a delightful chocolatey surprise in the center of each cookie. Using unwrapped candies saves time during the assembly process.
• Red Chocolate Candy Melts: For vibrant, festive red drizzle, adding both color and a touch of sweetness.
• Green Chocolate Candy Melts: Completes the classic Christmas color palette with a contrasting green drizzle.

Essential Kitchen Supplies for Festive Shortbread Baking

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. You won’t need an elaborate setup for these Christmas shortbread cookies; just a few basic kitchen essentials will help you whip up these sweet treats quickly and efficiently.

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for baking multiple cookies at once and ensuring even heat distribution.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients, especially when using a hand mixer.
• Microwave-Safe Bowls: Perfect for easily melting chocolate candy melts for the festive drizzle.
• Rubber Spatula: Indispensable for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
• Parchment Paper or Silpat Liner: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
• Stand Mixer fitted with a Paddle Attachment (or Hand Mixer): Makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze, though a hand mixer works just as well.
• Cookie Dough Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie size for even baking and a professional appearance.
• Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling cookies completely, preventing sogginess and allowing the chocolate kisses to set properly.
• Piping Bags (or Ziploc Bags with the Tips Snipped Off): For precise and decorative drizzling of the melted candy melts.

Simple Steps to Craft Your Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Get ready to create these utterly delightful and festive Christmas shortbread cookies with a recipe so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them a holiday tradition sooner! This step-by-step guide ensures perfect, buttery cookies every time.

1. Begin by placing the room-temperature unsalted butter into a large mixing bowl, preferably of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a reliable electric hand mixer will work just as well.
2. Cream the butter on medium speed until it is beautifully smooth and lightened in color, usually taking about 5 minutes. As you go, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically, ensuring all the butter is evenly incorporated and no unmixed portions remain.
3. With the mixer still running at medium speed, gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed butter. Continue to beat the mixture for another 5-7 minutes until it becomes noticeably fluffy and pale. This aeration is key to the shortbread’s tender texture.
4. Next, pour in the vanilla extract while the mixer continues to run. Mix until the vanilla is fully incorporated and its lovely aroma permeates the mixture.
5. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, a little at a time, until it is just completely combined and forms a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overworking the flour can lead to tough cookies.
6. Using a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon in size), portion out the shortbread dough. Roll each portion gently between your palms to shape them into uniform small balls.
7. Arrange the formed dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for minimal spreading.
8. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven (refer to recipe card for temperature) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they appear slightly puffed and the edges have turned a delicate light golden brown. The centers should remain pale.
9. Immediately after removing the baked cookies from the oven, and while they are still warm and pliable, gently press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating that iconic blossom shape.
10. Carefully transfer the warm cookies from the baking sheet to a wire rack using a spatula. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding to the drizzling step.

Creating the Festive Drizzle and Finishing Your Cookies

Once your beautiful shortbread cookies have cooled, it’s time to add the final, festive touch with a colorful chocolate drizzle. This step is where the holiday magic truly comes to life, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of sweetness.

1. Divide your red and green chocolate candy melts into separate microwave-safe bowls. This allows you to melt each color individually and prevent them from mixing prematurely. As an alternative, for a more controlled melt, you can use the double-boiler method on the stovetop.
2. Place one bowl of candy melts in the microwave and heat on 50% power for 1 minute. Remove and stir vigorously to encourage the candy to melt further using its residual heat.
3. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the candy melts are completely liquefied and smooth. Repeat this process for the other color. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the chocolate to seize.
4. Once both colors are perfectly melted and smooth, carefully spoon each bowl of melted candy into separate piping bags. If you don’t have piping bags, a small Ziploc bag with a tiny corner snipped off will work perfectly.
5. Now for the fun part! Artfully pipe the melted chocolate onto the cookies in decorative patterns. You can create zigzags, straight lines, or abstract designs.
6. If desired, immediately add festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. This ensures they adhere beautifully to the cookies, adding extra sparkle and holiday cheer.
7. Allow ample time for the chocolate drizzle to set completely before serving your stunning Christmas shortbread cookies or storing them. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or you can speed it up by placing them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Delicious Pairings: What to Serve With Christmas Shortbread Cookies

These buttery, festive Christmas shortbread cookies are undeniably a tasty and visually appealing dessert that can certainly be enjoyed on their own. Their rich flavor and delightful texture are satisfying enough. However, if you’re looking to elevate the experience or create a more elaborate holiday spread, these versatile cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of other delicious options.

• Decadent Sauces: Enhance the sweetness and richness by serving a side of fruit-based sauce, like a raspberry coulis or cranberry compote, for a tart contrast. For an even more indulgent treat, offer a warm chocolate or caramel dipping sauce. The combination of crumbly shortbread with a smooth, sweet sauce is simply heavenly.
• Frozen Delights: The crispness of shortbread provides a fantastic textural counterpoint to creamy frozen treats. A scoop of classic vanilla or peppermint stick ice cream pairs exceptionally well with these crumbly cookies. Alternatively, for a lighter touch, scoop out some tangy sorbet or rich gelato to serve alongside.
• The Quintessential Tea Pairing: Shortbread is traditionally one of the most quintessential tea cookies. These Christmas cookies are absolutely perfect for a festive tea party, a cozy book club meeting, or simply a quiet moment of indulgence alone with a warm cup of your favorite brew. Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or even a spicy chai tea would complement their buttery notes beautifully.
• A Perfect Cup of Coffee (or a Festive Cocktail): Brew up a fresh pot of regular or decaf coffee to enjoy with these cookies. For a more elevated experience, channel your inner barista and craft a flavored latte – perhaps a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte – to perfectly match the holiday spirit. And for adults looking to truly embrace the festive cheer, consider pairing them with a coffee cocktail. Bailey’s Irish Cream or Frangelico added to your coffee are two excellent quality options that blend wonderfully with the cookies’ flavors.

Why This Christmas Shortbread Cookie Recipe is a Must-Make

In a season brimming with countless cookie recipes, you might wonder what makes these Christmas shortbread cookies stand out. We believe there are compelling reasons why this particular recipe should be at the top of your holiday baking list!

• Budget-Friendly Baking: Holiday expenses can quickly add up, but this recipe offers an affordable indulgence. The ingredients are mostly low-cost pantry staples, and you likely already have many of them in your kitchen, making these cookies a delightful treat that won’t break the bank.
• Remarkably Easy to Make: Forget complicated steps and lengthy preparations. This recipe comes together with minimal effort and in surprisingly little time. Despite its simplicity, it delivers a perfectly executed, visually stunning holiday treat that tastes like it took hours to create.
• Embrace the Season: With their classic red and green decorations, these cookies are inherently seasonal. They are guaranteed to infuse any gathering with festive cheer, making them ideal for holiday parties, school events, or thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They truly embody the spirit of Christmas.
• Visually Stunning: Beyond their incredible taste, these cookies are a feast for the eyes. The vibrant red and green colors, combined with the elegant chocolate drizzle, make them incredibly pretty and inviting. They are sure to brighten any dessert table and bring a smile to even the “Grinchiest” of party-goers.

Creative Variations and Delightful Add-ins for Shortbread Cookies

While these Christmas shortbread cookies are absolutely wonderful as written, their simple base makes them incredibly versatile. Don’t hesitate to customize them to your heart’s content, adding personal touches that reflect your taste or specific holiday theme!

• Kiss Options: The Hershey’s Kiss in the center is iconic, but feel free to swap it out for any other flavored Hershey’s Kisses you adore. Peppermint Kisses, Hugs (white chocolate), or even caramel-filled Kisses would add a delightful twist.
• Sparkling Sprinkles: Go beyond the basic! Try adding an assortment of colorful sprinkles, festive jimmies, or even green and red nonpareils for a fun, playful, and truly festive feel. They add texture and visual appeal.
• Decorator’s Sugar: For an elegant touch and extra sparkle, sprinkle a bit of decorator’s sugar in any color you like (red, green, or even iridescent white) over the cookies before or after baking. This adds a beautiful shimmer.
• Flavorful Extracts: While vanilla is a classic, try substituting or adding a different extract for a unique flavor profile. Almond extract offers a lovely nutty aroma, while a hint of peppermint or even orange extract could add a wonderfully seasonal essence.
• Fun Shapes: Unleash your inner artist! Roll out the chilled dough with a rolling pin and use floured cookie cutters to create any festive shape you prefer. Stars, Christmas trees, snowflakes, angels, or even tiny gingerbread men would be adorable.
• Andes Mint Surprise: For a refreshing minty twist, chop up some Andes Mints and press them into the warm cookies instead of or in addition to the Hershey’s Kisses. They melt into a delicious, cool layer.
• Dough Color: To make your shortbread truly colorful, experiment with gel food coloring (which provides vibrant hues without much liquid) or liquid food coloring. Incorporate a few drops into the dough with the vanilla extract for stunningly colored cookies.
• Chocolatey Dough: Transform your shortbread into chocolate shortbread by incorporating 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. Adjust flour slightly if needed for consistency.

More Incredible Shortbread Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the buttery simplicity and delightful texture of shortbread, you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of shortbread variations to discover, perfect for every season and occasion. Here are some more fantastic shortbread cookie recipes that are sure to become new favorites.

If you adore this easy Christmas Shortbread Cookies recipe, you’re going to be thrilled with these other holiday cookie creations too. Each link below leads to an easy-to-follow, printable recipe, perfect for your festive baking adventures!

Linzer Cookies

For a truly elegant cookie that’s guaranteed to be eye-catching and a conversation starter on your holiday dessert table, be sure to try these utterly delicious Linzer cookies. Their jam-filled centers and delicate dusting of powdered sugar are simply irresistible.

Check out this recipe

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies

Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are not only incredibly fun to make with their mesmerizing swirl design, but they are also absolutely perfect for holiday parties, thoughtful edible gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy evening with your favorite holiday movie. Merry Christmas!

Check out this recipe

Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Shaped like traditional candy canes or delightful rounds, these Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a soft and chewy cake mix cookie recipe that’s incredibly easy to make. Their vibrant color and refreshing peppermint flavor make them a holiday favorite.

Check out this recipe

Melting Snowman Frosted Cookies

Melting Snowman Frosted Cookies offer an incredibly adorable and whimsical way to bring the pure magic of the winter season indoors. Crafted using simple sugar cookies as a base, adorned with ice cream, marshmallows, and other charming details, they’re a guaranteed hit.

Check out this recipe

M&M Slice & Bake Cookies

These wonderfully soft and chewy M&M Slice & Bake Cookies are truly the perfect easy cookie recipe for any and every occasion. The best part? You can easily make the dough ahead of time, then simply slice and bake whenever the craving strikes for fresh, warm cookies.

Check out this recipe

Discover Other Creative and Unique Cookie Recipes

If you’re eager to expand your cookie repertoire beyond shortbread and blossom cookies, the culinary world offers an endless array of creative and unique cookie recipes. From classic comfort to dazzling showstoppers, there’s a cookie for every taste and occasion. Explore these delightful options to spark your baking inspiration!

• Santa’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Grinch Cookies
• Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
• Stained Glass Cookies

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Christmas Shortbread Cookies

Course Dessert

Servings: 36 cookies

These colorful Christmas shortbread cookies are the most festive, perfect holiday treat for parties, cookie exchanges, or simple family enjoyment.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup butter room temperature (2 sticks) unsalted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses candies unwrapped
• ⅓ cup red chocolate candy melts
• ⅓ cup green chocolate candy melts

Optional: Assorted sprinkles

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the room-temperature butter at medium speed for 5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl ensuring all butter is incorporated.
• Add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture and continue beating for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture is very pale and fluffy.
• Mix in the vanilla extract until it is just combined into the fluffy butter and sugar mixture.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until it is completely mixed and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
• Using a small (1 tablespoon) cookie scoop, portion out the shortbread dough. Gently shape each portion into a small ball with your hands. Place the formed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies appear slightly puffed and the edges are lightly set and just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers should remain pale.
• Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The warmth of the cookie will help the chocolate soften slightly and meld into the shortbread.
• Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before decorating further.

Prepare the Drizzle

• Place the red and green chocolate candy melts into separate microwave-safe bowls.
• Microwave one bowl of candy melts on 50% power for 1 minute.
• Stir vigorously with a spoon or rubber spatula to allow the candy to continue melting with the residual heat. This prevents burning.
• Return the candy to the microwave and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring very well between each interval, until the candy mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Repeat for the second color.
• Transfer the melted red and green candy melts into individual piping bags (or use Ziploc bags with a tiny corner snipped off for a makeshift piping bag).
• Drizzle the melted chocolate decoratively over the cooled cookies. If you are using assorted sprinkles, immediately add them while the chocolate drizzle is still wet so they adhere.
• Allow the candy drizzle to set completely (this can be done at room temperature or by refrigerating for a few minutes) prior to serving or storing your beautiful Christmas shortbread cookies.

Chef’s Notes

• To help prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting too much when pressed into the warm cookies, unwrap them all and place them in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes just before you are ready to use them. This little trick helps them hold their shape better.
• Don’t be alarmed if the Hershey’s Kisses look like they are melting slightly after being pressed into the warm cookies. It’s natural! Just do not disturb them, and as the cookies cool, the chocolate will resolidify in its proper, iconic shape.
• For optimal freshness and texture, store your finished Christmas shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Alternatively, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
• Cooled and decorated cookies can also be frozen for longer storage. However, be aware that sudden temperature changes during freezing or thawing may cause the chocolate candy melts to “bloom” (develop a grayish film). This is completely harmless and does not affect the taste, but it might not look as aesthetically pleasing.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.3mg | Net Carbohydrates: 8g

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own preferred dietary calculator for the most accurate information specific to your ingredients. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the absolute accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.

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