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 made these shortbread cookies for a holiday gathering and they disappeared within minutes. Everyone loved their buttery taste and delicate crumb.
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Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat 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.
- Mix in 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.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes as desired.
- Arrange Cookies:
- Place the cookie shapes on the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prick and Bake:
- Prick each cookie a few times with a fork. Bake in oven for 18–22 minutes, or until edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool Cookies:
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Save My grandmother always baked shortbread for our family get-togethers. It was a sweet tradition we all looked forward to every year.
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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). Always check labels if you have sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately 100 calories, 6 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
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Classic shortbread cookies are perfect for sharing and make a wonderful homemade gift. Enjoy their simple goodness with tea or coffee.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes shortbread crumbly and tender?
The high butter content combined with minimal mixing creates a tender, crumbly texture that melts in the mouth.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, vanilla extract or a pinch of fine sea salt can be added to enhance the flavor without altering the texture.
- → How do I know when shortbread is done baking?
Look for edges that begin to turn a pale golden color without browning for perfectly baked shortbread.
- → What is the best way to store these treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- → Can I modify the shape of the shortbread?
Absolutely, the dough can be cut into rectangles, rounds, or any preferred shape before baking.
