Few treats capture the essence of simple, buttery indulgence quite like Classic Shortbread Cookies. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this timeless Scottish dessert that’s crisp yet tender, delightfully rich, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a tea party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies deliver pure comfort and nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Classic Shortbread Cookies couldn’t be easier, and each one plays a starring role. From the creamy butter that forms the foundation, to the soft sweetness of powdered sugar and the earthy flour, every element matters for that signature taste and crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the signature richness and tender texture; make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Dissolves beautifully into the dough, giving the cookies a delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the simple flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure while keeping it light and crumbly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Classic Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to help the cookies bake evenly. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Classic Shortbread Cookies slide right off after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Beat them until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this is key to getting that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The air you incorporate here will help the cookies stay delicate.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Pour in the vanilla extract and blend it evenly into the creamy butter-sugar mixture. This is where the aroma really starts to build, and your kitchen will begin to smell like pure happiness. Vanilla deepens the buttery flavor of Classic Shortbread Cookies, making them truly irresistible.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gradually sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. It’s important not to overmix here—stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your cookies will be.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness; this gives the cookies their signature heft. Use cookie cutters for classic shapes, or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles for a more rustic look. Either way, your Classic Shortbread Cookies will look and taste amazing.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookies an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Don’t let them brown too much—pale is perfect for shortbread. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Classic Shortbread Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes, a simple cookie deserves a touch of flair. Try dipping half of each Classic Shortbread Cookie in melted chocolate, or give them a sparkly finish with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking. For a hint of sophistication, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving is always lovely.
Side Dishes
Classic Shortbread Cookies are wonderful alongside an afternoon cup of tea or strong coffee. If you want to serve them as part of a dessert platter, pair them with fresh berries, lemon curd, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their buttery simplicity lets other flavors shine, making them incredibly versatile.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, stack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gifting. Arranging them in a decorative tin or on a tiered stand can turn even an ordinary day into a celebration. You can also cut them into fun shapes for themed parties or holidays—think stars, hearts, or even tiny bite-sized rounds for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Classic Shortbread Cookies tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—though chances are, they’ll disappear long before then!
Freezing
Shortbread freezes beautifully. Once cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Reheating
If you like a just-baked feel, pop a cookie or two in a low oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes to freshen them up. This brings out that lovely buttery aroma and restores a touch of their crispness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce or omit the extra salt in the recipe to keep the balance right. The flavor will still be deliciously rich and buttery.
Why is my shortbread dough crumbly?
Shortbread dough can be a bit crumbly, especially if the flour isn’t fully incorporated or if the butter was too cold. Gently knead the dough together, and if it’s still too dry, let it rest for a few minutes or add a teaspoon of milk to help it come together.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try stirring in citrus zest, finely chopped nuts, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips for a twist. Classic Shortbread Cookies are a perfect blank canvas for your favorite add-ins.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but if your dough feels soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This makes rolling and cutting much easier, and helps the cookies keep their shape in the oven.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for edges that are just barely golden while the centers remain pale. Overbaking will make them dry, so pull them from the oven as soon as you see the faintest golden hint around the edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s as comforting as it is easy, Classic Shortbread Cookies are always a winning choice. There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into such a delightful, buttery cookie. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a cherished staple in your baking repertoire!
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Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and melt in your mouth. This traditional Scottish dessert features a simple blend of butter, sugar, and flour, making it a timeless treat perfect for any occasion or holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates the perfect texture for tender shortbread.
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate flour and salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together without overworking to keep the cookies tender.
- Roll out dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to about ½-inch thickness for even baking.
- Shape the cookies: Use cookie cutters or slice the dough into squares or rectangles per your preference, then place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden, ensuring a perfect crumbly texture.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
- Chill the dough before rolling for easier handling and cleaner cuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to keep them fresh and crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
