A Sweet Slice of Heaven Awaits!
Ever bitten into a cookie that crumbles just right and melts in your mouth? That’s what you’ll get with these homemade Shortbread Cookies. They’re a delightful combination of buttery goodness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, all made with just four simple ingredients! As the warm aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t try this sooner.
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll love making these cookies for a few reasons:
Easy Cleanup: Who wants to spend half the day cleaning up? Not you! These shortbread cookies involve minimal dishes, making them a perfect quick treat.
Affordable Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you won’t break the bank making these scrumptious cookies.
Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! Rolling the dough and cutting out shapes is fantastic family bonding—not to mention the taste testing!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
Let’s dive into baking these delightful treats with these simple steps:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Make sure to fluff your flour before measuring to avoid a dense mix.
Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms. It’ll look like crumbs at first, but that’s normal! Squeeze it together to see if it holds its shape.
Form the dough into a ball and roll it between parchment paper until it’s about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles (or whatever fun shapes you want) and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are barely golden brown. Cool on the baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. (If they last that long!)
How to Make Shortbread Cookies (Overview)
Making Shortbread Cookies is a breeze! First, you combine the butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour. Then you mix it until crumbly, roll it out, cut it into shapes, and pop it in the oven. Remember: don’t skip fluffing your flour! It makes a world of difference for the cookie texture.
How to Serve Shortbread Cookies
These cookies shine on their own but can be elevated in so many ways! Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy effect. Pair with a rich cup of hot cocoa or tea, and you’ll have yourself a delightful combo that screams comfort! Imagine enjoying that crunchy exterior with a soft, buttery center while sipping your favorite warm drink.🍵
How to Store Shortbread Cookies
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They stay good for about 5 days at room temperature. Want them to last even longer? Pop them in the freezer! They can last up to three months. Just allow them to thaw at room temperature before diving back in.
Tips to Make Shortbread Cookies
Butter temperature matters: Ensure your butter is soft, not melted, for the perfect texture.
Adjust the sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
Chill for a firmer dough: If the dough feels too soft to roll out, refrigerating it for 30 minutes will help!
Add a pinch of salt: It balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor.
Experiment with shapes: Use cookie cutters for fun or even make them into bars to save time.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can easily swap in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise or try adding zest from a lemon or orange for an enticing citrus flair. Want to go vegan? Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in place of vanilla extract!
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for easier baking sessions later.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! Use a good old-fashioned mixing bowl and wooden spoon to combine the ingredients. Just put in a little extra elbow grease!
Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them completely before serving.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened) Ensure it is soft, not melted
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar Adjust to taste for sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Can be substituted with plant-based option
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Fluff before measuring
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Fluff your flour before measuring to avoid a dense mix.
- Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms. It will look like crumbs at first; squeeze it to see if it holds its shape.
- Form the dough into a ball and roll it between parchment paper until it’s about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles or fun shapes.
Baking
- Place the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are barely golden brown.
- Cool on the baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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