Classic shortbread cookies made with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, offering a tender, crumbly texture and delicate sweetness perfect for teatime or gifting.
Author:Maria
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookies
1 cup butter (softened)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325° F and line two lightly colored baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fluffed all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles crumbs that hold together when pressed.
Form Dough and Cut Shapes: Gather the crumbly dough into a ball, then roll it out between parchment paper sheets to a thickness of about 1/3 to 1/2 inch. Cut into 3-inch circles or your preferred shapes and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just turning golden brown, ensuring a tender and crisp texture.
Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the hot baking sheets, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
Be sure to fluff your flour before measuring to achieve accurate dry ingredient amounts.
Use lightly colored baking sheets to prevent cookies from browning too quickly on the bottom.
You can cut the dough into any shape you like, not just circles.
Make sure the butter is soft but not melted for the best texture.
These cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days.