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Classic Shortbread Cookies

A stack of golden brown shortbread cookies on a white plate, bathed in sunlight.

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A simple recipe for buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. The dough will be crumbly. You can either press it into a round or rectangular pan and score it into fingers or wedges, or roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
  7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be pale.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For a tender shortbread, avoid overworking the dough.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better.
  • These cookies are delicious plain or dipped in chocolate.

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