Shortbread Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite as nostalgic and comforting as a tray of homemade Shortbread Cookies fresh from the oven. These little gems are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery flavor, and just the right hint of sweetness — all punctuated by a festive sprinkle of holiday cheer. Whether you’re gearing up for a cookie swap, craving a simple but splendid baking project, or looking for the perfect edible gift, this classic recipe transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly magical. Trust me: once you bake a batch, these cookies might just become your new holiday tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s remarkable how a few straightforward pantry staples come together to create Shortbread Cookies that are so delicate, rich, and satisfying. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from the creamy butter to the festive sprinkles, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last.

• Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, softened): The star of the show, imparting that signature rich, creamy foundation and helping the cookies achieve their tender crumb.
• Powdered Sugar (⅔ cup, sifted): Sifts in sweetness while keeping the dough ultra-smooth and adding to the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Clear Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the aroma and brings a classic, almost nostalgic flavor that pairs beautifully with the butter.
• Almond Extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, nutty undertone that elevates the cookie from simple to sophisticated.
• All-Purpose Flour (1¾ cups): Forms the structure, but keeps the cookies pleasantly delicate — measure lightly!
• Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): This secret ingredient creates an airy, soft texture you don’t want to skip.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just the right amount to balance out the sweetness and intensify all the buttery notes.
• Holiday Sprinkles, Jimmies or Nonpareils: A festive finishing touch that adds color, crunch, and holiday spirit.

How to Make Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Set the stage for baking success by preheating your oven to 325°F. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this ensures your Shortbread Cookies will lift easily and bake evenly with no sticky mess.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer (fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together on medium speed for two full minutes. Watch as the mixture turns pale and fluffy — that’s when you know the air is getting whipped in, ensuring a delicate crumb in your finished cookies. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl to incorporate every bit of buttery goodness!

Step 3: Add Extracts

Pour in the clear vanilla and almond extracts, and beat for one more minute. This little touch infuses the Shortbread Cookies dough with irresistible aromas and just a kiss of nutty, floral depth.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. This step is key to ensuring everything blends harmoniously — especially the cornstarch, which is crucial for that ultra-tender texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

With your mixer on low speed, slowly spoon the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Add a bit at a time, letting it fully incorporate before the next addition. This slow-and-steady approach keeps your dough light and prevents overmixing.

Step 6: Fluff the Dough

Once all the dry ingredients have been added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 30 to 45 seconds. You’ll see the dough transform — it should look pale and fluffy. This is when Shortbread Cookies develop their dreamy texture.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Remove the paddle attachment and refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes. Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in the perfect round shape and buttery crumble.

Step 8: Shape and Flatten

Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons of dough), shape the dough into balls and gently roll them between your palms. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving two inches between each. Press each ball flat with the tines of a fork — you’re aiming for disks about 1½ inches wide, perfect for those signature Shortbread Cookies.

Step 9: Decorate

Now the fun part: sprinkle those cheerful holiday jimmies, nonpareils, or whatever festive toppings you love. Not only do they look adorable, but they also bring a subtle crunch to every bite.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through if you’d like. Keep an eye out — these cookies should remain a delicate pale cream, not golden brown. Resist the urge to overbake; it’s the secret to keeping Shortbread Cookies soft and tender.

Step 11: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely for the best texture (and so the flavors can settle and shine!).

How to Serve Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

Elevate the beauty of your Shortbread Cookies with a handful of extra holiday sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For an elegant touch, try dipping half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate, then adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or edible glitter — it’s a show-stopper!

Side Dishes

Shortbread Cookies are wonderful paired with a steamy mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or a pot of your favorite tea — their buttery simplicity lets beverages shine. For a dessert platter, they also play nicely with fruit preserves, lemon curd, or a small bowl of berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Tie up a stack of Shortbread Cookies with festive ribbon for adorable edible gifts, or arrange them in decorative tins layered with parchment for holiday parties. To make them the star of a cookie exchange, use different shapes or tinted sprinkles to match your theme — they look beautiful on any dessert tray and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Shortbread Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The flavors only develop more deeply with a bit of time, and the texture remains perfectly tender if kept sealed from air and moisture.

Freezing

Shortbread Cookies freeze like a dream! After baking and cooling completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

While Shortbread Cookies are typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can gently refresh them in a low oven (about 275°F for 3-4 minutes) if you want to bring back that just-baked aroma and crispness. Let them cool a bit before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Shortbread Cookies without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar well for that classic delicate texture.

Why do my Shortbread Cookies spread too much?

Cookies often spread if the butter is too soft or the dough isn’t sufficiently chilled. Make sure your butter is just at room temperature (not melted) and always chill the dough for at least 15 minutes before baking.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Shortbread Cookies are wonderfully versatile. Try a pinch of citrus zest, a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon, or even finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a new twist.

How can I ensure my cookies are baked just right?

Keep a close eye on color — Shortbread Cookies should stay pale and never turn golden brown. Check them at the lower end of the baking time and remember that oven temperatures can vary.

What if I don’t have clear vanilla extract?

Regular vanilla extract works just fine; the cookies may be a shade darker, but they’ll be just as delicious and aromatic.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one recipe you add to your holiday cookie roster this year, let it be these Shortbread Cookies. They’re simple, classic, and genuinely delightful — and once you taste their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’ll want to bake them for every occasion (or no occasion at all). Grab your apron, crank up those holiday tunes, and let the baking begin!

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