Best Shortbread Cookie Recipe
This Best Shortbread Cookie recipe delivers buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour, these shortbread cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24-30 cookies, depending on size 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a perfect texture.
- Beat butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. This step aerates the dough for a tender crumb.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with flavor.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help bind it.
- Roll and cut dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½ inch thickness, then cut into your desired cookie shapes.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the shaped cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them apart to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set properly.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- If you prefer a crisper cookie, roll the dough thinner than ½ inch.
- Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help maintain the shape during baking.
Keywords: shortbread cookie, buttery cookies, vanilla cookies, easy dessert, classic shortbread
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/best-shortbread-cookie-recipe/
