Save Tender, buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, made with just three simple ingredients and no chilling required.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for its ease and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (65 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add flour:
- Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently flatten to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
- Cut shapes:
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or slice into small rectangles. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden. Do not overbake.
- Cool:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save This recipe always brings a smile around our family table.
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt with the butter and sugar. Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin (optional), cookie cutters or knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 1 g
Save Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container up to 1 week for later.
Recipe Help
- → What ingredients give shortbread its tender texture?
The tender texture comes from the high butter content combined with powdered sugar and all-purpose flour, creating a crumbly yet soft bite.
- → Can I add flavors to enhance the shortbread?
Yes, adding vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt during mixing enhances the buttery flavor without overpowering the classic taste.
- → Is chilling the dough necessary before baking?
This shortbread dough requires no chilling, allowing quick shaping and baking for a simple preparation process.
- → How do I know when the shortbread is perfectly baked?
Bake until edges start turning golden, usually 16–18 minutes, avoiding overbaking to maintain tenderness.
- → What is the best way to store these shortbread treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.