Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and delightfully crumbly treats perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these classic cookies that melt in your mouth every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325° F. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Be sure to fluff your flour before measuring for accuracy. Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms; it will look like crumbs but should hold together when squeezed.
- Step 3: Form the dough into a ball and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper until it’s 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles or your preferred shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. Let them cool on the hot baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Step 5: Once cooled, enjoy immediately or store as directed below.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough before mixing.
- You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier texture.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix until combined.
Storage
Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and optionally warm in the oven for a few minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
While salted butter can be used, it’s best to use unsalted butter to better control the cookie’s flavor. If you use salted butter, reduce any additional salt in your recipe accordingly.
Why do my shortbread cookies spread too much during baking?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or the butter is too soft. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before rolling and cutting to help the cookies hold their shape better.
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Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic buttery shortbread cookies with a delicate crumbly texture, perfect for tea time or festive occasions. These simple cookies combine softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour to create a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s easy to make and delightful to enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325° F. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour (fluff the flour before measuring to ensure accuracy). Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms that holds together when squeezed.
- Shape Cookies: Form the dough into a ball then roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of 1/3 to 1/2 inch. Cut into approximately 3-inch circles or your preferred shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the hot baking trays.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in airtight containers for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Be sure to use lightly colored baking sheets to prevent the cookies from browning too quickly on the bottoms.
- Fluff the flour before measuring to get an accurate quantity and maintain the perfect texture.
- You can cut the dough into any shapes you prefer, such as squares or rectangles, instead of circles.
- Cookies will hold shape better if the dough is not overmixed; mix just until crumbs form.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shortbread cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookies, classic cookies, tea time cookies, vanilla cookies
