Shortbread Cookies

You’ll Want These Shortbread Cookies in Your Life!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly cookie that melts in your mouth. Shortbread cookies are like a warm hug for your taste buds, offering a delightful simplicity that’s hard to resist. This recipe is quick and easy, making it a go-to treat for any occasion. Plus, you can whip them up without any hassle—perfect for your last-minute cookie cravings!

Why Make This Recipe

• Effortless Delight: Who doesn’t love a cookie that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction? You’ll feel like a baking pro without all the mess!
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to splurge on fancy ingredients. This homemade treat won’t break the bank.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Bonus: They make great gifts if you can ever part with them! 😉

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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

Directions

Time to get baking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
2. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour.
4. Mix on low speed until you get a crumbly dough.
5. Form the dough into a ball and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/3-1/2 inch thick.
6. Cut into small 3-inch circles and place on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just barely golden brown.
8. Allow to cool for five minutes on the trays before transferring to cooling racks.
9. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.

How to Make Shortbread Cookies (Overview)

Making shortbread cookies is a breeze! Start by gathering your ingredients and preheating the oven—this is where the magic begins. Once you’ve mixed that buttery goodness with powdered sugar, you’ll quickly form a dough that’s ready to be rolled out. Pro tip: Don’t rush the chilling; let the cookies set for a few minutes before baking. It’ll pay off in flavor and texture!

How to Serve Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are simply aesthetic! Serve them on a beautiful platter next to a steaming cup of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy touch. Imagine the golden-brown hue brought to life with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. With every bite, the crunch gives way to buttery goodness that smells heavenly. They also pair well with fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Store Shortbread Cookies

Got leftovers? (Doubtful, but just in case!) These cookies last up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them if you want to save some for later. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore that delightful warmth and crunch.

Tips to Make Shortbread Cookies

1. Chill the dough: For even better texture, chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
2. Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to toss in some lemon zest or even a dash of almond extract for a twist!
3. Keep it uniform: Use a round cookie cutter to ensure even baking—no one wants a soggy cookie, right?
4. Substitutions: You can use margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option.
5. Go large: Try cutting the cookies into bigger shapes and adjusting the bake time for some giant cookie enjoyment!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Switch up the classic shortbread by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Want to go vegan? Use coconut oil in place of butter and a flax egg to bind everything together. The possibilities are endless, and each variation adds your unique spin to this classic recipe!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day or two in advance and chill it until you’re ready to bake.

2. How should I store the cookies? Can they be frozen?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month. Just let them thaw before enjoying!

3. Can I substitute the powdered sugar?
While powdered sugar gives that perfect sweetness and texture, you could experiment with regular granulated sugar, but the result may be slightly different.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Shortbread Cookies

These buttery shortbread cookies are quick and effortless, perfect for satisfying last-minute cravings and delightful for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened) Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar Sifted for a smoother texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Measured accurately for best results.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
2. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour.
4. Mix on low speed until you get a crumbly dough.
5. Form the dough into a ball and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/3-1/2 inch thick.
6. Cut into small 3-inch circles and place on the prepared baking sheets.

Baking

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just barely golden brown.
2. Allow to cool for five minutes on the trays before transferring to cooling racks.

Notes

For optimal texture, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for later use.