Description
These classic shortbread cookies offer a rich buttery flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday treats or enjoying alongside a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using an electric hand mixer, cream the butter until smooth and soft.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and beat until the mixture is fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and sea salt on low speed, mixing just until combined to form a dough.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, divide in half, and shape each half into a rectangular block approximately 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Wrap each block in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice Dough into Cookies: Unwrap the chilled dough blocks and, using a sharp knife, cut crosswise into ½-inch thick slices to form individual cookies.
- Arrange and Decorate Cookies: Place cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch of space between each. Use a toothpick to poke decorative holes in each cookie for a classic look.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 minutes. The cookies should just start turning golden brown around the bottom edges but remain pale and soft overall.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up to the perfect shortbread texture.
Notes
- Makes about 24 cookies.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easiest creaming.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale for a tender texture.
- Chilling the dough firms it for easier slicing and better shape retention during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American