Indulge in the rich, buttery bliss of Perfect Shortbread Cookies, a timeless treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. Crafted with simple pantry staples like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a hint of pure vanilla, this recipe delivers flawlessly tender cookies with a delicate crumb. With just 15 minutes of prep time, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea-time indulgence, or a sweet midday pick-me-up. The dough is easy to work with, making it ideal for festive cookie cutters or classic shapes. Baked until lightly golden around the edges, these shortbread cookies boast a subtle sweetness and irresistible buttery aroma. Store them in an airtight container to enjoy their fresh, homemade goodness all week long! Perfect for those seeking easy shortbread recipes, traditional cookie ideas, or beginner-friendly desserts.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed. Mix until just combined and a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake to retain the tender, buttery texture.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
Calories |
2986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 196.3 g | 252% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.4 g | 567% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 2397 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.9 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 100.6 g | ||
| Protein | 28.5 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 329 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.