Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute love affair with shortbread cookies! These little gems are the epitome of simplicity and buttery goodness, and they take me back to my childhood, sitting in my grandma’s cozy kitchen. She would whip up a batch and the whole house would fill with that warm, sweet aroma. I can still hear her saying, “Less is more, darling!” And she was right! With just four ingredients, you get a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect with a cup of tea or as a delightful snack anytime. Trust me, once you try making your own, you’ll never want to reach for store-bought again. They’re just that good! So, let’s dive into this lovely recipe together.

Ingredients List

Making these shortbread cookies is a breeze with just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s nice and soft to help create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – This adds a lovely sweetness and smoothness to the dough.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your cookies, giving them structure.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavors and enhance the buttery goodness.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, I often throw in a splash of vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor! But even without it, these cookies shine on their own.

How to Prepare Shortbread Cookies

Getting started on these shortbread cookies is as easy as pie—or rather, easier! You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these delightful treats. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, you want that airy texture!
Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
Shape the dough: Take the dough and shape it into a log. This is where you can get creative! You can make it as thick or thin as you’d like, but I usually go for about 2 inches in diameter for nice, classic rounds.
Slice the cookies: Now, slice the log into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space because they’ll spread just a tad while baking.
Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want them to brown too much!
Cool and enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And then, ahh, the moment you’ve been waiting for—enjoy your buttery shortbread cookies!

These steps are straightforward, but if you run into any hiccups, don’t worry! Just follow along, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delightful cookies that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: With just four ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
Buttery goodness: Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a rich, satisfying flavor.
Versatile: You can easily customize them by adding flavors like vanilla or lemon zest.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a tea party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, they fit right in!
Quick to make: From start to finish, you can have these delicious cookies ready in about 30 minutes.

Tips for Success

To make sure your shortbread cookies turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, always use high-quality unsalted butter; it really makes a difference in flavor. Softening the butter is key, so let it sit out for about an hour before you start. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds—just be careful not to melt it!

When baking, keep an eye on your cookies. Ovens can vary, so check them at the 12-minute mark. You want them to be light golden, not too brown. Once they’re out, let them cool completely on a wire rack to ensure they maintain their delicate texture.

And don’t forget, these cookies are fantastic for gifting! Stack them in a pretty box and share the love. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Nutritional Information

These delightful shortbread cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also come with some straightforward nutritional info! Each cookie is about 100 calories, making them a sweet indulgence that won’t break the calorie bank. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Calories: 100
Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 50mg

With these numbers, you can enjoy your cookies guilt-free, knowing they’re a simple treat made with love and care!

FAQ Section

Can I add flavors to my shortbread cookies?

Absolutely! One of the best parts about shortbread cookies is how easily you can customize them. I love adding a splash of vanilla extract for that classic flavor, but you can also experiment with lemon zest, almond extract, or even a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your shortbread cookies fresh, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week, but trust me, they usually don’t last that long in my house! If you want to preserve that melt-in-your-mouth texture, avoid stacking them too high in the container.

Can I freeze shortbread cookies?

You bet! Freezing shortbread cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as delightful as when they were freshly baked!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your shortbread cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature. No reheating needed—just enjoy them as they are, and you’ll be transported back to that buttery bliss!

Shortbread cookies: 6 Steps to Buttery Perfection

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple recipe for delicious shortbread cookies.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
Shape the dough into a log and slice into rounds.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
Let them cool before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Can add vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: shortbread cookies, cookies, dessert

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