Description
These classic shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. The recipe yields crisp-edged, tender cookies with a delightful crumbly texture that are easy to make and perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325° F (163° C). Line two light-colored baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for even baking, then set them aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and all-purpose flour. Be sure to fluff the flour before measuring for accuracy. Mix the ingredients slowly until a crumbly dough forms. Although the mixture will look like crumbs in the mixer, when you squeeze it together in your hands, it should hold its shape firmly.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, then roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out small 3-inch circles or any shape of your choice. Place the shaped dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies just start to turn golden brown. This ensures they will be crisp but not overbaked. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the hot baking trays for 5 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks to cool completely.
- Storage: Once cooled, store the shortbread cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Fluff flour before measuring to ensure accurate quantity and perfect texture.
- Use light-colored baking sheets to monitor cookie browning accurately.
- You can cut dough into any shapes you prefer, not just circles.
- Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing and better dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days.
