Description
These classic Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare and perfect for teatime or gifting. The cookies have a delicate crumb and can be dusted with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Confectioners’ sugar, optional for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create the tender texture.
- Add flour gradually: Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Press dough into pan: Evenly press the dough into an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Use a fork to prick holes across the surface to allow steam to escape and prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake the shortbread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies are set.
- Cut while warm: Carefully cut the shortbread into 16 squares while still warm in the pan to get clean edges.
- Cool completely: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cookies to cool fully before removing them.
- Optional finishing touch: Dust with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming and texture.
- Press dough evenly in the pan to ensure consistent baking.
- The fork pricks help prevent air bubbles and keep the shortbread flat.
- Cutting while warm prevents cracking and uneven breaks.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 1.5 inch square)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
