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Easy Shortbread Cookies

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Easy, four ingredient shortbread cookies that even your kids can make. Buttery, crispy, and so yummy. Makes for a great cookie box addition to give as a gift or a quick snack to keep for yourself.

shortbread cookies and milk

Day 10 of the 12 Days of Cookies.

If you missed days 1-8 see below

Shortbread cookies remind me of the holidays. My family and I enjoy making these cookies to give to family and friends.

shortbread ingredients

Here simplicity is key. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or tools to make this. All you need is

  • Butter: I like to use unsalted butter, but if you like a saltier cookie feel free to use salted butter.
  • Flour: All purpose flour works well for this recipe. It is best measured using the scoop and fill method. Scoop flour with a spoon into a measuring cup and level with a knife or other flat surface.
  • Sugar: Super fine granulated sugar works best in this recipe. If you can not find extra fine sugar, you can run the granulated sugar through the food process to create sugar that is more fine and gives you a smoother dough.
  • Vanilla extract: You can use store bought or I have a simple recipe for homemade vanilla extract made in the Instant Pot.

What are shortbread cookies?

Shortbread is a traditional biscuit from Scotland. It is generally made of one part sugar, two parts butter, and three parts flour.

pan of short bread cookies

What other add-ins can I use?

My favorite add-ins are macadamia nuts and chocolate. You can add any nut, dried fruit, dip/drizzle in chocolate.

How long does it take to make easy shortbread cookies?

Low and slow, 275F for one hour.

tray of shortbread cookies

How to store shortbread cookies?

Shortbread cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze shortbread dough?

Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap (or the plastic free wrap of your choice) and place in a zip top bag. This will keep for up to 6 months. When ready to bake allow to defrost to room temperature prior to baking.

stack of shortbread cookies

How to make easy shortbread cookies?

Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment add butter and sugar. Whip until light and fluffy. Then add vanilla and mix until well incorporated.

Slowly add flour and mix until just incorporated. Scrape down sides of the bowl as needed.

Pour dough into prepared baking pan. Spread dough to fill the pan in an even layer. Place in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 275F.

Cut dough into rectangles. Use a fork to poke shallow indentations in the dough. Place in oven and bake for 1 hour.

Transfer a wire sheet cool.

stack of shortbread cookies

Shortbread Cookies

Relle Lum
Easy, 4 ingredient shortbread cookies that even your kids can make. Buttery, crunchy, and so yummy. Makes for a great cookie box addition to give away or a quick snack to keep for yourself.
4.44 from 30 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Additional Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Cookies
Cuisine American
Servings 3 dozen small rectangle cookies
Calories 93 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment add butter and sugar. Whip until light and fluffy. Then add vanilla and mix until well incorporated.
  • Slowly add flour and mix until just incorporated. Scrape down sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Pour dough into prepared baking pan. Spread dough to fill the pan in an even layer. Place in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 275F.
  • Cut dough into rectangles. Use a fork to poke shallow indentations in the dough. Place in oven and bake for 1 hour.
  • Transfer a wire sheet cool.

Notes

*Cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 1 week or in the freezer for 1 month. Ensure dough is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap (or the plastic free wrap of your choice).
*For best results be sure to chill dough prior to baking.
*If you are unable to find fine granulated sugar, you can run regular granulated sugar through a food processor to create a finer texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 1mgSugar: 4g
Keyword bake from scratch, baking, christmas cookies, easy shortbread cookies, holiday cookies, homemade, keeping it relle, short bread cookies, shortbread cookie recipe
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easy shortbread cookies

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By on December 11th, 2019

About Relle

Aloha, my name is Relle and welcome to my little home on the internet where I like to share all my favorite Hawaiian recipes (and local ones too).

I am a wife, mom of two, and nurse practitioner here in the beautiful state of Hawai’i. I was born and raised in Hawai’i and I am of native Hawaiian descent. In my spare time I love to cook and bake and I have compiled many of my favorite recipes here for you to enjoy.

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2 thoughts on “Easy Shortbread Cookies”

  1. Hi Relle- this may be a strange comment, but I’m wondering if I can add some ube extract in here to make them ube flavored? Or pandan extract? Do you think that would do anything/taste good? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

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