Classic Shortbread Cookies
The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen can instantly transport you to cherished memories of childhood—or create new ones filled with warmth and joy. Imagine biting into a perfectly baked shortbread cookie, its buttery richness melting in your mouth. This Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe | Easy & Buttery promises just that: a delightful treat that’s as simple to make as it is comforting to eat. This recipe is particularly perfect for the holiday season when cookie exchanges and gatherings are frequent, but let’s be honest—any day is a good day for shortbread!
Table of Contents
I can still recall those cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, the sun streaming through the windows as we mixed the ingredients just so. It was a beloved ritual that connected generations and filled our home with sweetness. Making these classic shortbread cookies with your loved ones can evoke similar nostalgia or create new traditions that you’ll cherish for years to come. So gather your ingredients, let’s get baking, and enjoy this buttery delight together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This delightful buttery treat is just 20 minutes of prep time, making it an easy go-to for impromptu baking sessions.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, bursting with buttery goodness and slight sweetness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The delicate shapes and inviting golden edges make these cookies perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for snacks, festive occasions, or even as a morning treat with coffee or tea.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free with just a few simple swaps!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness while lending a smooth texture to the cookies. Make sure to sift it for an even consistency. If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can reduce this amount slightly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of quality vanilla enhances the flavor depth, making the cookies taste more indulgent. For a twist, consider using almond extract or a vanilla bean.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Use all-purpose flour fluffed before measuring to ensure precision. This creates a light structure in your cookies, but if you want a gluten-free version, opt for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend.
How to Make Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe | Easy & Buttery
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). As the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface that makes transferring cookies a breeze—this will save you from the heartbreak of broken cookies later!
Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, blend together your softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed to avoid a flour explosion; you’ll want it to turn into a crumbly dough that mimics coarse crumbs. It’s key that when pressed, it holds together—this means it’s just right!
Shape the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently between two sheets of parchment paper until it reaches about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. This prevents sticking and helps maintain a neat shape. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out 3-inch circles, or any shape you prefer, and place them on your prepared baking sheets.
Bake Until Golden: Place your cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to turn a light golden brown. The smell? Absolutely intoxicating! Your patience will pay off as the buttery aroma fills your kitchen.
Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, where their delightful texture can truly shine!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your classic shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes—the buttery essence becomes captivating once more!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing your dough; you want to blend just until it comes together for the perfect texture.
- Ensure your butter is softened properly; cold butter will not incorporate well and will yield dense cookies.
- Consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling for a firmer dough that’s easier to handle.
- If you want to add a twist, incorporate some lemon zest or chocolate chips for extra flavor!
- Make ahead by preparing the dough and refrigerating it until you’re ready to roll and cut—perfect for busy baking days.
These classic shortbread cookies bring together simplicity and comfort. Their buttery flavor and delicate crumb are sure to elevate any gathering or quiet afternoon. Feel free to get creative with your own flavor twists, like adding nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt, and enjoy making these treats with your family and friends!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If using salted butter, just reduce the added salt in your recipe. Salted butter can also bring out the sweetness more in your cookies, providing a beautiful contrast to the buttery flavor.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough seems too dry and crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of cold water or milk at a time until it comes together. Remember to mix gently, as you want minimal handling to maintain that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked cookies and bake them fresh whenever you crave something sweet. Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Check for light golden edges and a slightly firm center. The cookies will continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking; a little underdone is better than a crispy cookie!
Now you’re all set to whip up these Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe | Easy & Buttery. As you gather with family or share these cookies with friends, take time to enjoy the joy of baking and the cherished moments that come with it. Happy baking!
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Shortbread Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Classic Shortbread Cookies are buttery, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. A delightful treat that combines simple ingredients for irresistible flavor, making it a favorite for any gathering or quiet moment.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, blend softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour on low speed until crumbly.
- Gather dough into a ball, roll between parchment paper to about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick, and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are light golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a week.
For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months.
Consider adding lemon zest or chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
