Save Buttery, crumbly, and delicately sweet, these classic shortbread cookies rely on just three simple ingredients to create a melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for any occasion.
When I was a child, my grandmother would bake shortbread every winter and gift them to neighbors. Now, I cherish this simple recipe for its comforting flavor and the nostalgic moments it brings to my kitchen.
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Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar:
- Beat softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Mix in Flour:
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
- Knead Dough:
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until just combined.
- Roll & Cut:
- Roll dough to ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or shapes.
- Arrange & Prick:
- Place cookies on baking sheet, 1 inch apart. Prick each cookie with a fork.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are just golden.
- Cool:
- Let cookies cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Save Every year my family gathers around the table to enjoy these buttery treats with tea. It has become an essential part of our holiday celebrations and joyful afternoons.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer or wooden spoon, rolling pin, cookie cutter or knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter) and gluten (wheat flour). Always double-check labels if you have sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains about 100 calories, 6 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein
Save 
This timeless shortbread recipe delivers reliably delicious cookies every time. Enjoy with your favorite warm drink for pure comfort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes shortbread crumbly?
The high butter content combined with minimal kneading creates a tender, crumbly texture.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt can be added to enhance the flavor.
- → How do I know when shortbread is baked?
Bake until the edges just start turning golden, avoiding browning to keep the delicate texture.
- → What is the best way to store shortbread?
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- → Can shapes be customized?
Yes, the dough can be cut into rectangles, rounds, or any preferred shapes before baking.
