Save 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 shortbread cookies for a family tea gathering, and ever since, they've become my go-to recipe for effortless treats that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Instructions
- Prepare your oven:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour:
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Knead dough:
- Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Gently knead until just combined.
- Roll and shape:
- Roll dough to ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes.
- Arrange cookies:
- Place cookie shapes on prepared sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Prick cookies:
- Prick each cookie a few times with fork for classic appearance.
- Bake:
- Bake 18–22 minutes, until edges just start turning golden (do not brown).
- Cool:
- Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes, transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Save Sharing these cookies with my loved ones always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent together and the simple joy of homemade baking.
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), Gluten (wheat flour). Always double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 100 calories, 6 g fat, 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein.
Save Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies with tea or coffee for a sweet and effortless moment of delight.
Recipe Guide
- → What ingredients create the shortbread's texture?
The combination of softened butter, powdered sugar, and flour produces a tender, crumbly texture characteristic of traditional shortbread.
- → How should the dough be prepared before baking?
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Roll out gently to about half an inch thickness before cutting shapes.
- → At what temperature and duration should these be baked?
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18–22 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden without browning.
- → Can any flavor additions enhance these shortbread?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of fine sea salt to the dough can elevate the flavor complexity.
- → How should the baked items be cooled and stored?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.