Classic Shortbread Cookies

Oh wow, these Classic Shortbread Cookies are pure comfort. They look simple, but they taste so rich. I fell in love at first bite.

I make these when I want something easy and cozy. They are buttery, soft, and not too sweet. The smell alone makes me smile.

I always grab one more than planned. They melt in my mouth every time. You will want to bake them too.

So yeah, let’s make a batch together. You only need a few steps. Let’s get baking right now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only five ingredients, these cookies are simple enough for anyone to bake, even beginners!
• Perfectly Buttery: The rich, buttery flavor makes them irresistible and impossible to eat just one.
• Crispy Texture: When baked to perfection, shortbread cookies have the perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Customizable: Add flavor twists or decorations to personalize your shortbread cookies!
• Great for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts, especially during the holiday season.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as they are, or dip them in chocolate or icing for an extra touch.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for perfect cookies.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Cookie Cutter (Optional): For cutting out fun shapes or just making round cookies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious shortbread cookie recipe:

• Unsalted Butter (1 lb / 100g): The base of shortbread is butter, so use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor. The butter should be at room temperature, so it creams easily with the sugar.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Adds sweetness and helps in achieving the right texture.
• Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup / 65g): Contributes to the cookie’s light, delicate crumb.
• Fine Grain Sea Salt (1 1/4 tsp): A small amount of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the rich buttery flavor.
• Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (4 cups / 500g): This provides the structure to the cookies and ensures they hold their shape while baking.

Variations for Classic Shortbread Cookies

While the classic version is absolutely divine, there are plenty of ways to customize your shortbread cookies to your tastes!

• Add Vanilla Extract: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle, comforting flavor.
• Chocolate Dipped Shortbread: After baking, dip the ends of the cookies in melted chocolate and let them set. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate for a delightful twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
• Almond Shortbread: Mix in 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: Roll the dough in sprinkles or colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.
• Chopped Nuts: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a bit of crunch.
• Herbed Shortbread: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure your butter is at room temperature. This is essential for creating a smooth, creamy dough. If your butter is too hard, it won’t mix properly, and if it’s too soft, the dough may be too greasy.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined. This step is crucial for the texture of the cookies, as it incorporates air into the dough.

3. Add the Salt and Flour

Once your butter and sugar mixture is ready, add the fine grain sea salt. Beat it into the mixture for an even distribution of flavor. Then, gradually add the unbleached all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. It’s best to add the flour in small batches, mixing as you go, to avoid a flour cloud. Mix until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix at this stage, as you want the dough to stay tender.

4. Shape the Dough

At this point, the dough may appear crumbly, but it should come together when pressed. If it’s too soft to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up. You can either roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut it into your desired shapes using cookie cutters or simply roll it into logs and slice it into rounds for a classic shortbread look.

5. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is an important step that ensures the cookies maintain their shape while baking. If you rolled out the dough, transfer the cookie shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you formed a log, slice the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking.

6. Preheat the Oven and Bake

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once your cookies are chilled, transfer them to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—shortbread cookies should be golden around the edges but not overly browned. If you’re making thicker cookies, they may take a little longer to bake.

7. Cool the Cookies

Once your cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be gentle, as shortbread can be delicate while it’s still hot.

How to Serve Classic Shortbread Cookies

Classic Shortbread Cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

• With Tea or Coffee: These buttery cookies are a perfect match for your afternoon tea or coffee break.
• Gift Boxes: Place them in a beautiful box and give them as gifts during the holidays or for special occasions like birthdays.
• With Ice Cream: Shortbread cookies are a fantastic topping for your favorite ice cream flavors.
• For Dessert: Pair them with a rich chocolate mousse or custard for a decadent dessert combination.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a simple yet satisfying treat.

Storing Classic Shortbread Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, slice the dough directly from the freezer and bake as directed. They can also be frozen after baking for up to 3 months.
• For Longer Storage: Freeze the baked cookies and store them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie – Estimated)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	1g
Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	40mg
Sugar	6g

(Note: The nutrition information is an approximation and can vary based on exact ingredient measurements.)

Conclusion:

These classic shortbread cookies are simple, buttery, and always a win. I love how they melt in my mouth with every bite. Once you try them, you’ll want to bake them again and again.