Indulge in the buttery simplicity of classic shortbread with this easy-to-follow recipe! Made with just four staple ingredients—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a hint of salt—this melt-in-your-mouth treat is a timeless favorite. The dough comes together quickly with minimal effort, and the delicate, crumbly texture is achieved by gently mixing and careful baking in a low-temperature oven. Pricked with a fork for an authentic finish, these golden-edged delights are perfect for pairing with tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack for any occasion. With only 15 minutes of prep time and customizable shapes, this homemade shortbread recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the bowl. Gently mix until the dough comes together, being careful not to overwork it.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1 cm (0.4 inches).
Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the shortbread into your desired shapes. Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Use a fork to gently prick the top of each shortbread piece. This helps release steam during baking, ensuring they remain flat and even.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Remove the shortbread from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Then transfer the pieces to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy with tea or coffee!
Calories |
2974 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 196.3 g | 252% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.4 g | 567% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 176 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.4 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 | 327 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.