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 always make a batch of these cookies for holiday gatherings, and they disappear faster than anything else on the dessert table.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, 225 g): Softened to room temperature
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, 60 g): For delicate sweetness
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250 g): Provides classic crumbly texture
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in flour:
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Knead dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until it just comes together.
- Shape cookies:
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes as desired.
- Arrange on baking sheet:
- Place the cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prick and bake:
- Prick each cookie a few times with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden (do not brown).
- Cool and serve:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save When my grandmother visited, she always brought a tin of these cookies for us to enjoy after dinner. They truly make every family moment a little sweeter.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer or wooden spoon, rolling pin, cookie cutter or knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter) and gluten (wheat flour). Always double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 100, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 1 g
Save Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. They make the perfect sweet treat for any celebration or a simple afternoon snack.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the shortbread's texture?
Unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour combine to make a tender, crumbly texture.
- → How do you prevent the shortbread from browning too much?
Bake at 325°F and remove when edges are lightly golden, avoiding over-baking.
- → Can flavors be added to the dough?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor subtly.
- → What is the best way to shape the dough?
Roll to about ½ inch thickness and cut into rectangles, rounds, or favorite shapes.
- → How should the shortbread be stored after baking?
Keep in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, these treats contain dairy and wheat but no animal-derived gelatin or meat products.