Shortbread Cookies

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delights Await!

Ever had a cookie that practically melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more? These Shortbread Cookies are not just any cookie; they are the epitome of buttery bliss. Perfect for cozy evenings, holiday treats, or any time you want a quick and satisfying sweet fix, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious!

Why Make This Recipe

Who doesn’t love easy recipes?

1. Fast and fuss-free: You can whip these up in no time. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll have a cookie that tastes like it’s been crafted by a pro!
2. No fuss cleanup: You only need one bowl for mixing, so say goodbye to a mountain of dirty dishes.
3. Family-approved: Trust me, everyone loves a classic shortbread. They’re perfect for kids and adults—no sophisticated palate required!

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

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for your dreamy shortbread cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and flour. (Don’t forget to fluff your flour before measuring to get it right!)
3. Mix on low speed until you get a crumbly dough. It might look like crumbs, but when you squeeze it in your hands, it should hold its shape.
4. Form the dough into a ball and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/3-1/2 inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles (or your shape of choice) and place on the prepared baking sheets.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just barely golden brown. Allow to cool for five minutes on the trays before transferring them to cooling racks.
6. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.

How to Make Shortbread Cookies (Overview)

Making these shortbread cookies is a breeze! Start by bringing the ingredients together in one bowl—no precision required. After mixing, roll the dough out like a pro (or fumble around a bit; I won’t tell). Once cut into shapes, bake them just until they are lightly golden. Pro tip: Don’t go overboard on the baking time; the magic happens right when they’re about to turn golden! ✨

How to Serve Shortbread Cookies

These shortbread delights look as good as they taste. Imagine a platter filled with golden-brown cookies, each dusted with powdered sugar. You can serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for that perfect afternoon pick-me-up. The aroma wafting from these freshly baked cookies will have everyone swooning before they even take a bite!

How to Store Shortbread Cookies

Keep your shortbread cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll last up to 5 days. Not finishing them quickly? Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months—when you’re ready, just slice and bake! 🍪

Tips to Make Shortbread Cookies

Want to take your shortbread cookies to the next level? Here are some insider tricks:

1. Use cold butter for a denser cookie.
2. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling for extra crispiness.
3. Feel free to swap the vanilla for lemon zest for a refreshing twist!
4. Experiment with different shapes—festive stars, hearts, or holiday trees!
5. For a touch of flair, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture. You could also make these vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative—easy peasy!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into a log, and keep it in the fridge or freeze it. Just slice and bake when you’re ready.

How do I substitute ingredients?
If you’re low on powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine—it’s a quick fix!

Can I freeze baked shortbread cookies?
Yes! Just make sure they’re cooled completely and store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about a month.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Shortbread Cookies

Melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that are buttery and easy to make. Perfect 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, Baking

Calories: 110

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened) Use cold butter for a denser cookie.
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar Can substitute with blended granulated sugar if needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Can swap for lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Fluff flour before measuring for accuracy.

Method

 

Preparation

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

Baking

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

Notes

Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.