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.
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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
- 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.
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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
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.
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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.
