Hey there, I’m Austin from Beyond The Bayou Blog, your friendly food enthusiast! Today, I whipped up a batch of classic Shortbread Cookies that never fail to bring a smile to my face. There’s something about the simplicity of butter, sugar, and flour coming together to create these delicate treats that just warms my heart.
As I was rolling out the dough, memories of a trip to Scotland flooded my mind. I had the opportunity to taste authentic Scottish shortbread made by a local baker in a quaint village. The buttery goodness and crumbly texture were simply unforgettable.
That experience inspired me to perfect my own shortbread recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you today. Let’s bake and savor a little taste of Scotland together! Looking for more cookie recipes? Try these No Bake Cookies or Almond Cookies.
Overview: How To Make Shortbread Cookies?
Today, I’m sharing a classic recipe for shortbread cookies that never fails to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion.
To start, I cream softened unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then, I add in confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of kosher salt for that perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Gradually, I incorporate all-purpose flour until a dough forms.
After chilling the dough for at least an hour, I preheat the oven and slice the dough into perfect rounds. A quick indent with a fork or skewer adds a decorative touch before baking to golden perfection.
The result? Buttery, tender shortbread cookies that are irresistible. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Baking sheet
- Silicone mat or parchment paper
- Sharp Knife
- Fork or skewer
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter unsalted butter at room temperature 142g
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1,1/2 cups all-purpose flour 180g
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt optional
Instructions
- Cream butter and vanilla extract until smooth in a stand mixer.
- Add confectioners’ sugar and salt, mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour while beating on low until dough forms.
- Shape dough into a rectangular prism, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and slice dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Place slices on a lined baking sheet, space apart, and indent with a fork or skewer.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Tips that Will Work!
- Plan Ahead: Start with room-temperature butter. Let it soften on the counter for an hour before baking for the best results.
- Slice Thickness: Cut the cookies 1/2 inch thick. Thinner slices result in crispier cookies, while thicker ones yield a tender texture. I prefer the delicate texture of a 1/2-inch-thick cookie.
- Baking Time: Bake for about 10 minutes for the perfect texture. The longer they bake, the crisper they’ll be. Let them rest on the pan for 10 minutes after baking for a delicious crumbly texture.
- Freezing Extras: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Preparation Tips: If your butter isn’t room temperature, microwave it in slices on 50% power in 5-second bursts, flipping it each time.
- Customize: Add toasted nuts and spices for extra crunch and flavor. Have fun with different dot patterns on the cookies and involve kids for a fun baking experience.
Variations You Will Love Trying!
- Extract: Instead of vanilla, try almond, lemon, or lavender extract for unique flavors.
- Chocolate: Mix in mini chocolate chips, dip cookies in melted chocolate, or create sandwich cookies with Nutella filling.
- Jam: Dip cookies in various jams for a delightful twist. Create a jam-dipping bar for fun.
- Zest: Add lime, lemon, or orange zest for a citrusy kick.
- Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Sprinkles: Roll dough in Christmas sprinkles before baking for a festive touch. After baking, frost and dip in sprinkles for extra flair. Great for kids!
What to Serve with Shortbread Cookie?
Store Them for Later!
- Shortbread Dough: The freezer is perfect for preserving shortbread dough. Store it in an airtight container or double-wrap it in plastic to keep it fresh for months. Freeze the dough either before rolling it out or after cutting it into shapes. Place the unbaked cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them before transferring them to a sealed container. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer and bake as usual.
- Shortbread Cookies: You can store shortbread cookies for later enjoyment. Simply cool them completely, then place them in an airtight container or cookie tin. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for several months. Just thaw them at room temperature before indulging in their buttery goodness.
What Is the Difference Between Butter Cookies and Shortbread?
Butter cookies and shortbread are similar yet distinct. Butter cookies typically contain a higher proportion of sugar and eggs, resulting in a softer, sweeter texture and a variety of shapes and flavors. Shortbread, on the other hand, has a higher ratio of butter to flour, giving it a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, buttery taste. Shortbread is often simpler in flavor, highlighting the buttery goodness.
What Are the Fork Holes in Shortbread For?
The fork holes in shortbread serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they create a decorative pattern that adds a touch of charm to the cookies. Secondly, they help the shortbread bake evenly by allowing steam to escape during baking, preventing the cookies from puffing up too much. So, while they make the cookies look pretty, they also ensure they turn out perfectly baked and delicious.