Description
Classic buttery and crumbly shortbread cookies made with just a few pantry staples, perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest, or crushed candy canes for flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Add citrus zest or almond extract for flavor variations.
- Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Chill shaped dough before baking to help cookies hold their shape.
- If dough is too crumbly, add 1 tsp milk or water at a time until it comes together.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months with parchment between layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
