Description
Classic buttery shortbread cookies with a tender, crumbly texture and a delicate sweetness, perfect for afternoon tea or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Topping (Optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, beating continuously until fully combined and forming a dough.
- Press the dough into pan: Transfer the dough to an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it evenly into the pan. Prick the surface all over with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake the shortbread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cut while warm: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately cut the shortbread into 16 squares while still warm—this prevents cracking.
- Cool completely: Allow the shortbread to cool in the pan on a wire rack until fully set.
- Optional garnish: Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant, sweet finish.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content.
- Pricking the dough before baking prevents bubbling and uneven cooking.
- Cutting the cookies while warm ensures cleaner edges and easier slicing.
- Store shortbread in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
