Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Shortbread cookies are a classic treat known for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumbly texture. This simple recipe produces tender cookies perfect for any occasion, from tea time to holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325° F. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Be sure to fluff the flour before measuring to ensure accuracy. Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms. It will look like crumbs but will hold its shape when gently squeezed.
3. Step 3: Gather the dough into a ball and roll it out between sheets of parchment paper until it is about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles or any preferred shape and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just turning golden brown. Let them cool on the hot baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a lemony twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough before mixing.
• Use a cookie cutter to create festive shapes and decorate with a light dusting of powdered sugar once cooled.
• If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overbrowning.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm briefly in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore their buttery softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature slightly before rolling out.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix the ingredients by hand using a wooden spoon or pastry cutter, but be sure to work quickly to keep the dough crumbly but cohesive.

Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

Classic buttery shortbread cookies that are tender, crumbly, and melt in your mouth. These simple cookies are flavored with vanilla and baked to a delicate golden perfection, perfect for teatime or as a sweet snack.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies (3-inch size) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour (fluffed before measuring)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325° F (163° C). Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
2. Mix Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms; it will look like crumbs but should hold together when squeezed in your hands.
3. Shape Cookies: Form the dough into a ball and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles or your preferred shapes and place them spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden brown. This ensures a tender texture without over-baking.
5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Store: Once cooled, store the shortbread cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Be sure to fluff your flour before measuring for accuracy and best texture.
• You can cut the dough into any shape, although small 3-inch circles are traditional.
• Use lightly colored baking sheets to monitor the browning and prevent burning.
• These cookies are delicate; handle carefully when transferring to avoid breakage.
• For extra flavor variation, try adding a pinch of salt or substituting vanilla with almond extract.

Keywords: shortbread cookies, butter cookies, easy cookie recipe, tea cookies, vanilla shortbread