Pin this 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 can still remember the first time I baked shortbread cookies for my family, and how quickly the warm, golden treats disappeared from the tray. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a household favorite.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and sheet:
- 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.
- Add 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.
- Roll and cut:
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes as desired.
- Shape and prick:
- Place the cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. 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 Serving these cookies at family gatherings always sparks memories of cozy afternoons and laughter over simple, delicious treats.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer or wooden spoon, rolling pin, cookie cutter or knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Notes
For a twist, add vanilla extract or sprinkle sugar before baking to elevate the classic flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains about 100 calories, 6 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Pin this Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies with tea or coffee for a moment of pure comfort. Their simplicity makes them a staple you'll want to bake again and again.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What gives shortbread its crumbly texture?
The high butter content combined with minimal mixing results in a tender, crumbly texture.
- → Can I add flavors to these buttery squares?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of fine sea salt enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
- → How do I prevent the edges from browning too much?
Bake at a moderate oven temperature and keep an eye on the edges to remove them once lightly golden.
- → What is the best way to store these treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- → Is it necessary to prick each piece with a fork?
Pricking helps prevent bubbling and maintains the classic shortbread appearance during baking.