Best ShortBread Cookies Recipe
Shortbread cookies are one of the most beloved classics in the baking world. Known for their buttery flavour, tender crumb, and melt in your mouth texture, these cookies are both simple and elegant. They are often enjoyed plain, but their delicate taste also makes them the perfect base for dipping in chocolate, sprinkling with sugar, or pairing with tea and coffee
What makes shortbread so special is how it transforms a few basic ingredients into something extraordinary. With just butter, sugar, and flour, you can create cookies that are rich, crumbly, and full of flavour. Whether you bake them for the holidays, gift them to loved ones, or enjoy them as an everyday treat, shortbread cookies never go out of style and always feel timeless and comforting
Why You Need This Recipe
This recipe is a must have because it creates the perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate texture. The cookies are crisp at the edges, tender in the middle, and lightly sweet without being overwhelming. They are incredibly versatile, pairing well with countless flavours and toppings, so you can enjoy them plain or dress them up for special occasions
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you can bake a batch of bakery quality cookies at home without stress. They also store well, making them ideal for holiday tins, gift boxes, or simply keeping on hand for when you crave something sweet and classic
Ingredients
This recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples to create buttery, melt in your mouth cookies everyone will love
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup | 800 |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | 385 |
| All purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups | 990 |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | 0 |
| Vanilla extract (optional) | 1 tsp | 12 |
Calorie count will vary depending on brand and portion size
How to Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. If using, add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth. Roll out the dough to about half an inch thick and cut into shapes or slices. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool before serving
Pro Tips
For the best texture, use high quality butter since it’s the star ingredient in shortbread. Be careful not to overmix the dough to avoid toughness mix just until the flour is incorporated. If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes before rolling or shaping. For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking or dip one end of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate. These cookies also benefit from being stored in an airtight container overnight, as the flavours continue to develop
Perfect Pairings and Toppings
Shortbread cookies are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They can also be dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles for a festive touch. For variety, try adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel, or even sandwiching them with jam. Their simplicity allows them to adapt to any flavour combination, making them perfect for cookie platters or gift boxes
Conclusion
The best shortbread cookies are buttery, tender, and timeless. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bake cookies that are elegant, versatile, and delicious every time. Whether you enjoy them plain, decorated, or paired with your favourite drink, this recipe delivers classic shortbread that will quickly become a household favourite
