Pin It Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies made with just three ingredients and ready to bake&mdashno chilling required. Perfect for a quick treat or elegant afternoon tea.
This recipe has been my go-to for quick and delicious treats—never fails to impress guests!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter: softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar:
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add the flour and mix until just combined. The dough will be soft but should hold together.
- Step 4:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2 3 times until smooth.
- Step 5:
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Cut into rectangles, rounds, or desired shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Step 6:
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 16 18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden (do not overbake).
- Step 8:
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin It These cookies bring back fond memories of cozy afternoons with family and tea.
Notes
Dip cooled cookies in chocolate or drizzle with icing for variation
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, rolling pin, cookie cutters or sharp knife, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter) and gluten (wheat flour) Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens if serving to those with sensitivities
Pin It Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies fresh for best texture and flavor
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients are needed for classic shortbread?
Softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour form the base of this rich, tender dough.
- → Is chilling the dough necessary before baking?
No chilling is required; the dough can be rolled out and cut immediately after mixing and gentle kneading.
- → How do you achieve the perfect texture?
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, mix just until combined with flour, then gently knead to keep the dough tender and soft.
- → What baking temperature and time are recommended?
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 16–18 minutes until edges begin to turn golden for a delicate, crumbly finish.
- → Can this shortbread be customized with flavors or toppings?
Yes, vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can be added to the dough; cooled cookies can be dipped in chocolate or drizzled with icing for variety.