Pin it 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.
Every winter, I bake these shortbread cookies to share with family and neighbors. Their buttery flavor and simple preparation make them a tradition we look forward to year after year.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & 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.
- Shape Cookies:
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes as desired.
- Arrange & 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 it My grandmother used to stamp little hearts on each cookie, making them extra special for holiday gatherings. Sharing these brings back warm family memories every time.
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). Double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
Calories: 100, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 1 g
Pin it Serve these classic shortbread cookies with afternoon tea or gift them in pretty tins for a delightful homemade treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients are essential for classic shortbread?
Butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour form the foundation, creating a rich and crumbly texture.
- → How do you achieve the perfect crumbly texture?
Gently mixing and kneading the dough without overworking helps maintain a tender crumbly texture.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18 to 22 minutes until the edges are just golden without browning.
- → Can I add flavors to enhance the shortbread?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt enriches the flavors subtly and deliciously.
- → How should shortbread be stored to keep freshness?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to preserve texture and taste.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, since the ingredients contain no meat, these fit well within vegetarian dietary choices.