Pin 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 baked these on a rainy afternoon with my grandmother. The scent of butter and sugar filling the kitchen is a memory I cherish every holiday season.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & 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 the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until it just comes together.
- Shape the Dough:
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes as desired.
- Arrange on Sheet:
- Place the cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prick Cookies:
- 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 This recipe is a favorite for family get-togethers, and these cookies always disappear quickly from our holiday table.
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). Double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 100 calories, 6 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein
Pin Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies with tea or coffee. They make an elegant addition to any dessert tray.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the classic shortbread texture?
The tender, crumbly texture comes from a blend of softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour.
- → How do you prevent shortbread from browning or burning?
Baking at 325°F (160°C) and keeping an eye on the edges to turn just golden helps avoid over-baking or burning.
- → Can the dough be flavored for variation?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of fine sea salt brings subtle flavor enhancements to the dough.
- → What’s the best way to shape the shortbread pieces?
Roll the dough to about half an inch thick, then cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes before baking for even cooking.
- → How should the shortbread be stored after baking?
Store cooled shortbread in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
