Shortbread Cookies

My perfect Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and sweet every time. This easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe is a go-to for holiday trays, bake sales, or just because you’re craving something simple and classic.

Course Cookies, Dessert, Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword Christmas Cookies, shortbread cookie recipe, shortbread cookies

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings cookies

Calories 130kcal

Author Katie Cooksey

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup butter softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325° F. Line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour. (Be sure to fluff your flour before measuring to get an accurate measurement.) Mix slowly until a crumbly dough forms. It will look like crumbs in the stand mixer, but when squeezed together in your hands will hold its shape.
Form dough into a ball and roll in between parchment paper to 1/3-1/2-inch thick. Cut into small 3-inch circles (or any shape desired*) and place onto prepared baking sheets.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are barely golden brown. Cool 5 minutes on hot baking trays before transferring to cooling racks.
Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.

Video

Notes

*feel free to scoop and roll shortbread cookie dough into smooth balls and indenting with a fork.

Storage Directions for Shortbread Cookies

Stored cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container for 5 days on the counter, or up to 10 days in the fridge.

To freeze after baking- allow to cool to room temperature. Place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to come to room temperature and serve.

To freeze before baking- I would suggest rolling out the dough and cutting into desired shapes before freezing. Flash freeze on a cookie sheet before placing in a freezer-safe, airtight container. When ready to bake, allow to sit out while the oven preheats, then bake as the recipe card indicates.

Nutrition