The Perfect Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth classic shortbread cookies transport you straight to a cozy Scottish bakery.

These delicate, golden treats have a rich culinary heritage that spans generations.

Baking this classic shortbread cookies recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that melts softly on your tongue.

The pure simplicity of butter, sugar, and flour creates a timeless dessert that never fails to impress.

Crisp edges and a tender center make these cookies an irresistible companion to your afternoon tea or coffee.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that brings a touch of traditional warmth to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling time)

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 22

Classic Shortbread Cookies: Ingredients Guide

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture; select high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create delicate crumbly texture; choose fine granulated sugar for even distribution.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth; select pure vanilla extract for authentic flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for precise seasoning.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates classic shortbread structure with tender crumb; select unbleached flour for consistent results and pure wheat flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking; choose unwaxed, unbleached parchment for reliable cookie release.
• Flour (For Dusting): Prevents dough from sticking during rolling; use same all-purpose flour for seamless integration.

Tools for Classic Shortbread Cookie Perfection

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating butter, sugar, and creating smooth cookie dough.
• Paddle attachment: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down bowl sides and ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
• Plastic wrap: Crucial for wrapping and chilling dough.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough to desired thickness for cut-out cookies.
• 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter: Creates uniform cookie shapes.
• Sharp knife: Useful for slicing log-shaped dough into even cookies.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool completely and prevents soggy bottoms.

Instructions for Classic Shortbread Cookies

• Butter Blending

Cream together softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and airy. The goal is a fluffy, pale texture that promises deliciousness.

• Dough Formation

Slowly incorporate flour into the butter mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough emerges. The mixture might seem crumbly at first, but keep working it until a solid dough forms.

• Chilling Time

Shape the dough into a disk or log, then wrap securely in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and make the dough easier to handle.

• Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

• Shaping Cookies

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, cutting into rounds or slicing into even pieces. Place cookies with enough space between them on the prepared sheets.

• Baking Magic

Bake until the edges turn a soft golden color, about 20 minutes. The centers should look dry and feel set when touched.

• Cooling and Serving

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve and enjoy these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with your favorite beverage.

Helpful Hints for Classic Shortbread Cookies

• Enhance the classic shortbread by adding lemon zest, lavender, or finely chopped rosemary to the dough for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Work with cold butter and avoid overworking the dough to maintain the signature crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread cookies.
• Dip half of each baked cookie in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or sea salt for an elegant finish.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible to those with gluten sensitivities without compromising the classic shortbread taste.
• Use different cookie cutters or press decorative patterns into the dough using a fork or specialized cookie stamps before baking for a personalized touch.

Serving Classic Shortbread Cookies Beautifully

• Sweet Tea Companion: Pair these buttery shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a classic afternoon indulgence.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating a charming homemade gift for family and friends during special occasions.
• Dessert Platter Elegance: Arrange the shortbread cookies alongside fresh berries, a small chocolate drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate their presentation and add a gourmet touch to your dessert spread.
• Flavor Exploration: Experiment with subtle additions like lavender, lemon zest, or finely chopped pistachios mixed into the dough to create unique variations of this traditional Scottish treat.

Storage Plan for Classic Shortbread Cookies

• Fridge-Friendly Freshness: Store these delicate shortbread cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. They'll stay crisp and delicious for up to 7 days when kept in the refrigerator.
• Freezer Magic: Wrap the unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Raw dough can hibernate in the freezer for 3 months, ready to slice and bake whenever cookie cravings strike.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Baked cookies can be frozen for 2-3 months. Stack them carefully in a hard-sided container with wax paper between layers to prevent crumbling.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Bring refrigerated or frozen cookies to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore their perfect crisp texture and brings out the rich buttery flavor that makes shortbread so irresistible.

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

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• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Scottish shortbread cookies elevate simple ingredients into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Bakers can create these traditional treats with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened (preferably European-style)
• ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a mixer until the mixture achieves a pale, silky consistency with a light, airy structure.
2. Dough Formation: Blend flour into the butter mixture on low speed, using a spatula to incorporate ingredients thoroughly and create a cohesive, sturdy dough.
3. Chilling Preparation: Shape dough into a flat disk or cylindrical log using plastic wrap, then refrigerate to solidify texture and intensify flavor profiles.
4. Oven Preparation: Position oven racks in lower and upper thirds, preheat to 350°F, and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal baking conditions.
5. Shaping Technique: For cut-out cookies, roll dough on flour-dusted surface to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness, using gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity. For slice-and-bake method, cut uniform slices with a sharp knife, maintaining consistent thickness.
6. Cookie Placement: Arrange cookie pieces on prepared sheets, spacing them one inch apart to allow proper spreading and even browning during baking.
7. Baking Process: Bake until edges and bottoms turn golden, rotating pans midway to ensure uniform coloration and consistent texture throughout.
8. Cooling Method: Remove cookies when surfaces appear matte and dry, cool on baking sheets for ten minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Serving Suggestion: Present shortbread cookies at room temperature as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or as a standalone treat.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted, as the right consistency is crucial for creating a smooth, velvety cookie texture.
• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the dough allows flavors to meld and prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a more structured shortbread.
• Rolling Technique Impacts Texture: Use gentle, even pressure when rolling dough to maintain its delicate structure and prevent tough, dense cookies.
• Baking Precision Counts: Watch cookies closely during baking; they should develop a light golden color without overcooking, which can lead to dry, crumbly results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg