Save Buttery, crumbly, and delicately sweet, these classic shortbread cookies rely on just three simple ingredients to create a melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for any occasion.
I first made these shortbread cookies for a holiday gathering, and they quickly became a family favorite everyone requests year after year.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Dough:
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Knead:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until it just comes together.
- Shape:
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes as desired.
- Arrange:
- Place the cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prick:
- Prick each cookie a few times with a fork for a classic shortbread appearance.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden (do not brown).
- Cool:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin it My grandmother always set out these shortbread cookies for us to share after dinner, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer or wooden spoon, rolling pin, cookie cutter or knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 100 calories, 6 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein
Notes
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla or a pinch of fine sea salt for extra flavor, or dip cookies in melted chocolate for a festive touch.
Pin it Serve these classic cookies with tea or coffee, and enjoy their irresistible buttery goodness with loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives the shortbread its crumbly texture?
The high butter content combined with just enough flour creates a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
- → Can I add flavor variations to these cookies?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of fine sea salt enhances the flavor without altering the base texture.
- → How do I prevent the shortbread from browning too much?
Bake at a moderate temperature and remove when edges turn just golden to maintain the signature pale color and texture.
- → What shapes can I cut the dough into?
The dough can be cut into rectangles, rounds, or any preferred shapes for a personalized touch.
- → How should I store the baked cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week.