The Ultimate Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Buttery, Crumbly Perfection
Are you ready to bake the perfect shortbread cookies? These buttery, crumbly delights are easier to make than you think, and the results are unbelievably delicious. This recipe will guide you through creating melt-in-your-mouth shortbread that will impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseurs. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple ingredients, ensuring a pure, buttery shortbread flavor. You'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure and texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the butter and sugar.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity (but the buttery flavor is delicious on its own!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for perfectly baked shortbread:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease!
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy dough is perfectly fine. If adding vanilla extract, add it now.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, or simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet. Prick the cookies several times with a fork to prevent them from puffing up during baking.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the shortbread cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy your delicious homemade shortbread cookies!
Tips for Shortbread Success:
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will shine through in these cookies, so use the best you can find.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents spreading and ensures a crisp texture.
- Experiment with flavors: Add different extracts, spices, or even mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for variations.
Storing Your Shortbread
Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well; simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
Enjoy baking these incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious shortbread cookies! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
