Description
Simple, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies made with just four ingredients. These classic cookies are perfect for holiday baking and can be easily customized with festive sprinkles or drizzles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Festive sprinkles, colored sugar, or chocolate for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes (e.g., circles, stars, trees).
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. If desired, sprinkle with sanding sugar or decorations at this stage.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate or add additional decorations if desired.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should remain pale with only lightly golden edges.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a richer flavor, use European-style butter with a higher fat content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg