Classic Shortbread Cookies

Close up of stacked round shortbread cookies

Classic Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crisp and so delicious. This simple 5-ingredient recipe requires very little time and effort to make the most perfect shortbread cookie you’ve ever tasted.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Chilling Time 45

Servings (3") cookies

Calories 92kcal

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter , softened (4 oz.)
½ cup powdered sugar , sifted (2 oz.)
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour , sifted (6 oz.)
½ teaspoon kosher salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Combine the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Whip mixer until creamed and combined, about 2-3 minutes. (You may do this in a large bowl with a hand mixer, too.)
Add the vanilla, and mix to combine.
Sift the flour into the bowl on top of the wet ingredients. Add the salt, too.
Beat the ingredients until the shortbread has just come together, about 2-3 minutes. This dough starts off as pretty crumbly, but then starts to come together. Keep an eye on it. This process is a lot faster in the stand mixer.
Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap. Chill for 45 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
Roll out the shortbread on a flat floured surface. The thickness should be about 1/6” thick.
Cut out the cookies into the desired shapes. (The size of your cookie cutter, as well as the shape, will determine how many cookies you end up with.)
Poke the tops of the shortbread cookies with a fork two to three times. This will help steam escape so that the cookies can bake more flat (and have less air bubbles.)
Bake 20-23 minutes or until the shortbread has firmed up and is lightly golden brown.
Let cool on a wire rack, then enjoy.

Notes

How to store: Store in an airtight container, like a cookie tin, at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place them in a single layer, and separate the layers with parchment or wax paper. Keep them separate from other cookies, as flavor creep can happen.

Nutrition