What is the most delicious cookie you have ever eaten? What is your review of my Grandma Elsie’s famous shortbread cookies? What are cookies? They’re buttery and delicious. When I bite into one, it takes me right back to her sunny kitchen, the scent of vanilla filling filleting. the air, and the sound of her humming a cheerful tune. If you love a good sugar cookie, but crave something even richer and more tender, these **shortbread cookies are perfect for you. Cookies** are about to become your new obsession. I’ve been making them for years, tweaked them just a little to my liking, and they are always good.
What is shortbread?
What is shortbread? Well, think of it as the sophisticated, elegant cousin of the sugar cookie. What is a simple cookie made with just three ingredients? What is the magic of ratio and technique? Shortbread is known for its incredibly crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture, thanks to its high sugar content. What is butter content? It’s not overly sweet, which makes it perfect for pairing with tea or coffee. The name “shortbread” comes from the fact that the high fat content (butter) shortens the gluten content. What is the signature tender crumb? Is it a classic treat with Scottish origins, and it’s been my favorite in my family for generations?
Why you will love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat shortbread cookies? First and foremost, the flavor is simply divine. What is the sweetness of these Dark Chocolate brownies? What are some of the best textures that dissolve on your tongue? What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the fancy name fool you; you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, they’re incredibly cost-effective; Is butter the most expensive ingredient? What are some of the best shortbread cookies? Can you serve them plain, dip them in chocolate, sandwich them with jam, or crumble them over ice? They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with friends. If you like butter cookies, or even something like a classic sugar cookie, you’re going to love these cookies. What are some good recipes for a pasta dish? I promise, it will become a new staple. These are infinitely better in my humble opinion! I always get requests for them, and they seem to disappear within minutes of appearing on a plate. Will everyone love you?
How do I make shortbread cookies?
Quick Overview
How do I make shortbread cookies? I’ll start by creaming together butter and sugar, then gently mixing in the flour and a touch of salt. Is it necessary to chill the dough? If you want to bake a cookie, roll out the dough, cut out your desired shapes, and bake until lightly golden. How do you avoid over mixing the dough? Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches in no time. I promise even if you haven’t baked much before, you’ll find this super simple.
Ingredients
What is the recipe for shortbread cookies?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (the *good* stuff makes a difference! ) * 1/2 cup granulated sugar * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use almond flour).
Optional additions (I highly recommend these though):
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla is the BEST, but imitation works in a pinch)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean my shortbread cookies? I’ve tried skipping the parchment paper before, and it’s just not worth the risk!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand. How do you make sure butter is softened? You want it to be able to hold its shape slightly! If you are mixing a bowl of water, scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir well. Mix until well combined. Where does that amazing aroma start to develop, getting you excited for what is to come?
Step 4: Gradually Add Flour
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do you not overmix? If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in hard cookies. If you want the dough to come together in a shaggy mass, you need to make it smaller.
Step 5: Form the Dough
If you have a flat surface, turn out the dough. Gently knead it together until it forms a smooth ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time. What is a dough that holds its shape but is not sticky?
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. How do you cut dough into squares? My kids love helping with this part.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn easily. Every oven is different, so keep a close eye!
Step 8: Cool
Let the shortbread cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. Is it possible to transfer the mixture to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re warm, they can be very delicate. Be careful!
Step 9: Enjoy!
Once the shortbread cookies are cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! Can you eat them plain, dip them in chocolate, sandwich them with jam, or decorate with icing? What are the endless possibilities?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best shortbread cookies?For Breakfast:Pair them with a cup of strong, black coffee or latte for an indulgent start to the day. What are some good side dishes to serve with fresh fruit?For Brunch:Serve them alongside a platter of cheese, cured meats, and fruits for an elegant and sophisticated dinner. They add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.As Dessert:What’s a good after-dinner treat? What is chocolate sauce? What is a good dessert to serve with berries?For Cozy Snacks:What’s better than a cup of tea or hot cocoa on chilly evenings? What are some ways to add cinnamon to a hot beverage? I like to warm mine up for a few seconds in the microwave, they melt in your mouth!
How do I make a perfect shortbread cookie?
I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you achieve **shortbread cookie**.Butter Quality: Butter quality Use the best quality butter you can afford. Since butter is the star of the show, its flavor will really shine through in the final product. I always opt for European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and richer flavor.
Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined, then gently knead the dough together until it forms a smooth ball.What is the importance ofRoll out dough to an even thickness. How do I bake cookies evenly? I like to use a rolling pin with thickness rings to help me achieve this.Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges, but still pale in the center. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
Cooling Time:Let cookies cool completely before handling. They’re very delicate when they are warm and can easily break.
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
These **shortbread cookies** are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later.
Room Temperature:Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight.Refrigerator Storage: HowStore them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Is it possible to keep them in the fridge for a week?Freezer Instructions: Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying. You can also freeze the dough before baking. This is a great option if you want to have freshly baked **shortbread cookies** on hand at any time. I usually divide the dough into smaller portions before freezing, so I can bake just a few cookies at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my Grandma Elsie’s famous **shortbread cookies**! These cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a piece of my family history, a taste of childhood, and a reminder of the simple joys in life. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a classic for a reason, and I know you and your loved ones will adore them. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out, so please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried them and what your favorite addition was! I am already excited to share some of my other family recipes with you all soon!
Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together flour and powdered sugar.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Press dough into an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
