Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth tender with just a handful of ingredients. Their rich, delicate texture and simple flavor make them an elegant treat. With no leavening and minimal effort, they are wonderfully easy to master.
- ⏱ 40 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla.
- Add the flour and salt and mix just until a dough forms.
- Press or roll the dough and cut into shapes or fingers.
- Chill for 20 minutes, then bake at 165C (325F) for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are barely golden.
- Cool completely; they crisp as they cool.
💡 Chef's tip
Do not overwork the dough; handling it too much develops gluten and makes the cookies tough instead of tender and short.
The high ratio of butter to flour and the absence of any leavening are what create shortbread crumbly, sandy texture that defines the classic cookie.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbs: 14 g
- Fat: 9 g
