Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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Shortbread cookies are a timeless classic, offering a rich, buttery flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness. These cookies are wonderfully simple yet melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe ensures you get that iconic, crumbly texture and smooth finish.

Why You’ll Love These Shortbread Cookies

These shortbread cookies are a simple joy, with a rich buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even on its own. These cookies are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and the result is always satisfying. Here’s what makes them so special:

• Perfectly Buttery: Every bite delivers that classic, rich buttery taste.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need 5 ingredients to make these cookies!
• Versatile: While delicious on their own, these cookies can be dressed up with chocolate dips, sprinkles, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
• Easy to Make: Just mix, press, bake, and enjoy!

This shortbread cookie recipe is all about keeping things straightforward, ensuring a perfect bake every time. Let’s dive into the process for creating these irresistible cookies.

Ingredients for Shortbread Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to create these simple, yet delightfully rich, shortbread cookies. Each ingredient brings a specific element that contributes to the texture and flavor of this classic recipe:

• All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the shortbread, giving structure and that signature crumbly texture. Be sure to measure it accurately for the best results.
• Kosher Salt – Just a pinch is all it takes to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavor of the butter.
• Butter (room temperature) – Butter is the star of this recipe, creating that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, and make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness while also helping to create a light and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract – For an extra layer of flavor, vanilla brings a subtle warmth and aroma that enhances the overall taste of the shortbread.

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How to Make Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies are wonderfully easy to make. With a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying your own homemade buttery cookies in no time. Here’s how:

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed, so you won’t get any salty spots in your cookies. Set the mixture aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.
3. Add the Vanilla Extract
   Pour in the vanilla extract and stir to combine. This will infuse the dough with a warm, fragrant aroma, enhancing the buttery flavor.
4. Incorporate the Flour Mixture
   Slowly add the flour and salt mixture to the butter mixture, stirring on low speed until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix the dough; just stir until no more flour is visible. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are well-incorporated.
5. Prepare the Baking Pan
   Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side. This will make it easier to lift the shortbread out of the pan after baking.
6. Press the Dough into the Pan
   Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it into an even layer. Use a fork to prick the surface of the dough all over; this helps the shortbread bake evenly. Then, score the dough with a knife to create 12 rectangles – this will make it easier to slice once baked.
7. Bake the Shortbread
   Preheat your oven to 325˚F. Bake the shortbread for about 20 minutes or until it’s firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges.
8. Cool and Slice
   Remove the pan from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the shortbread out of the pan. Let it cool completely at room temperature before slicing along the scored lines to create perfect shortbread rectangles.

With these steps, you’ll have buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies ready to enjoy!

How Long to Bake Shortbread Cookies

Baking shortbread cookies is all about achieving the perfect texture: golden around the edges and firm, yet tender in the center. Since the dough is fairly simple, the baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough. Here’s a guide to ensure your cookies bake to perfection:

• Baking Time: Shortbread cookies should be baked at 325˚F for approximately 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a light golden brown, and the center feels firm to the touch.
• Watch for Visual Cues: The cookies won’t become very dark, so keep an eye on the edges. They should just start to turn golden while the tops remain pale.

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How to Store Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread cookies store exceptionally well, making them a great option for prepping ahead of time or even gifting. Here’s how to store them to maintain their crisp, buttery texture:

• At Room Temperature: Store baked shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll stay fresh, maintaining their signature texture.
• In the Freezer: To freeze shortbread cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. The cookies will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature.

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Baking Tips for the Perfect Shortbread

To get the best results with your shortbread cookies, here are a few extra tips to ensure success:

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes smoothly with the sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. If the butter is too cold, your dough won’t come together as well.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, be careful not to overmix the dough. This can lead to tough cookies rather than that desirable crumbly texture.
• Score the Dough Before Baking: Scoring the dough with a knife before baking helps make clean, even cuts once the cookies are baked.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the shortbread cool completely before slicing into rectangles. This helps the cookies maintain their shape without crumbling.

With these tips, your shortbread will be perfectly tender, buttery, and ready to impress!

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