These shortbread cookies are so easy to make with only 5 ingredients, melt in your mouth, and turn out beautiful every time. They are perfect to make cut out, pressed or stamped shortbread cookies.
Easiest Shortbread Cookies
These shortbread cookies are the perfect recipe to make when you’re wanting to whip up last minute Christmas cookies. They are so easy prepare and I bet you already have all the ingredients on hand. You don’t even need any eggs!
They have a rich buttery flavor and will literally melt in your mouth with each bite. They’re not overly sweet, but just sweet enough to do the trick. You can keep them plain, or customize the cookies with mix-in’s or toppings. They are so versatile.
Trust me, you need these traditional shortbread cookies on your Christmas dessert board this year. And you can’t host a cookie exchange without shortbread. It’s a classic cookie recipe that everyone loves!
Sugar Cookies vs. Shortbread
Although the two contain similar ingredients, shortbread cookies are eggless and also contain more butter than your classic sugar cookies. This gives them a texture that’s more dense and firm, while sugar cookies are usually on the softer side. Sugar cookies also rise and spread a bit more than shortbread, giving them a bigger surface for decorating.
How to Make Shortbread Cookies
This shortbread cookie recipe starts with 5 simple ingredients: butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and flour. That’s it!
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Beat the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla until creamy and fluffy.
- Mix in the flour slowly and stir just until combined. Roll into a log and refrigerate.
- Slice the cookie dough into rectangles or stamp lightly into flour. I like to add holes with a toothpick on top.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden.
What is the Secret to Good Shortbread?
- Make sure to use only real butter and vanilla in these shortbread cookies to get the best flavor.
- Chill the dough for about an hour, or until it’s firm to touch. This helps the butter solidify, so that the cookies don’t spread while baking.
- Bake them in the oven just until the bottoms are slightly golden. You don’t want to overcook these, unless you like crunchy shortbread cookies.
- A little tip if using cookie stamps. Make sure to dip the stamp into flour BEFORE stamping (preferably after each stamp) to keep the dough from sticking.
Customize Your Cookies!
These shortbread cookies taste delicious plain, but could also be dressed up with frosting, glaze, lemon, a chocolate drizzle, nuts, chocolate chips or sprinkles. I love to double the recipe and make one batch plain and the other batch into cranberry orange shortbread cookies. They are so delicious!
Storing + Make Ahead
These cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container or about 3 months in the freezer. You can also prepare the dough up to 1 week in advance. Shape into a log and then wrap tightly with saran wrap. Then store in the fridge until ready to bake.
More Easy Cookie Recipes:
- Spritz Cookies – a melt in your mouth holiday classic.
- Christmas Sugar Cookies – a little more work but so worth it.
- Ricotta Cheese Cookies – a fun twist on a sugar cookie.
- Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – a cinnamon twist on a classic cookie.
- Sugar Cookie Bars – this recipe is made easy in a 9×13″ pan.
Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter , 2 sticks at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar , or powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl combine the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla. Whip using an electric mixer, for one minute or until it is nice and fluffy. Slowly mix in the flour and stir just until combined and the dough is smooth.
- Shape the dough into a log, wrap with plastic and refrigerate until firm, about an hour.
- Slice the cookie log into 1/4-1/2" thick cookies. Then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a toothpick to add holes on the top to create the look of a traditional shortbread cookie. You could also use a cookie stamp or keep plain if you'll be dipping in melted chocolate.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the bottoms are barely golden. You don’t want the tops or edges to brown. Let cool on the cookie sheet for a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
How many grams is two sticks of butter? Thanks
About 226.8 grams :)
It is so easy and delicious!
I used a brownie squared pan and a fork to punch the wholes – this speeded up the process. It is so easy, I will definitely make it again. Thank for the recipe!
Great idea! So glad you enjoyed the recipe :)
Can you make these with almond flour?
I haven’t tried, but let me know how it goes if you give it a shot!
Is powdered sugar the same as icing sugar?
Yes :)
What is the difference in texture etc using powdered sugar vs granulated? Do you have a preference?
The powdered sugar is a little lighter cookie, so it depends whether you’d prefer them lighter or a little more dense :)
Salted or unsalted butter?
I use unsalted butter :)
Love how simple shortbread cookies are! And this is a great recipe to use as a base and then decorate as desired. We love them chocolate dipped over here!
These are FANTASTIC cookies! Great recipe to have on hand for the holidays
I love these cookies. Making them later today!
i am very new to baking, so one part of the ingredients is a little confusing.
Are you saying 1 cup of butter plus 2 more sticks of butter? or are you clarifying how many sticks make a cup of butter?
Hi Karen! 1 cup of butter=2 sticks. :)
What is preferred, powdered sugar or granulated!
The powdered sugar is a little lighter cookie, so it depends whether you’d prefer them lighter or a little more dense :)