These classic shortbread cookies are rich, buttery, and delicately crisp, made with simple ingredients to capture an old-fashioned, traditional flavor. Shaped into rectangles, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat with tea.
Did You Know?
The key to perfect shortbread is using high-quality, real butter. This creates the rich, tender texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth. For an extra touch, prick the tops with a fork for a classic look.
Yield
Approximately 16 cookies
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together.
Shape and Chill the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a smooth square.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cut and Bake
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about a 9-inch by 9-inch square 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 inch by 2inch squares. (That should give you 16 cookies.)
Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Use a fork to gently prick the tops of each cookie for a classic shortbread look.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Calories: 110, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 10g, Fiber: 0g, Net Carbohydrates: 10g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4.5g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 30mg, Sugars: 4g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Use Real Butter: High-quality, unsalted butter is essential for the authentic, rich taste of classic shortbread.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the dough comes together to keep the cookies tender.
- Prick for Tradition: Using a fork to create small pricks in the dough adds a traditional touch and helps with even baking.
- Store for Longer Freshness: Shortbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Freeze the Dough: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking.
- Enhance with Flavors: For a twist, add a pinch of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough.
- Double as Gifts: These cookies make beautiful gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
- Pair with Tea or Coffee: Serve with your favorite hot drink to complement their buttery texture.
- Cut Evenly: Use a ruler to ensure consistent rectangles for even baking.
- For Extra Crispness: If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching the edges carefully.
Let’s Learn About the Flavor Boosting Ingredients
Real butter is the heart of classic shortbread, providing its rich, creamy taste and crumbly texture. Using powdered sugar instead of granulated adds a smooth, delicate sweetness that melts in your mouth, creating that classic shortbread experience.