Shortbread Cookies

These Shortbread Cookies are a classic treat that’s simple to make and incredibly delicious. They are buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth, perfect for an afternoon tea or a simple indulgence.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (125g) Unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (85g) Powdered sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) Vanilla sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Flour and Vanilla Sugar: Gradually add the flour and vanilla sugar to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork or your fingers.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.  
  6. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Serve as a sweet snack for kids’ lunchboxes or parties.
  • Dip in melted chocolate or drizzle with icing for extra indulgence.

Cooking Tips:

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Do not overmix the dough; just combine until it forms.
  • Keep an eye on the cookies as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Provides a source of energy from carbohydrates.
  • Contains some calcium and protein from dairy.

Dietary Information:

  • Contains dairy.
  • Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.  

Storage:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Simple and easy to make.
  • Requires minimal ingredients.
  • Deliciously buttery and crumbly.
  • Perfect for a quick and easy treat.

Conclusion:

These Shortbread Cookies are a classic treat that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With their simple ingredients and buttery flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply savor them on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?

    • Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of flours for a slightly different flavor.  
  2. Can I add flavorings to the dough?

    • Yes, you can add extracts like almond extract, lemon extract, or orange extract to the dough.  
  3. Can I decorate the cookies?

    • Yes, you can decorate the cookies with icing, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
  4. Can I freeze these cookies?

  5. How can I make these cookies more festive?

    • Add food coloring to the dough for colorful cookies. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into different shapes.
  6. What if the dough is too crumbly?

    • Add a teaspoon or two of cold water to the dough and mix until it comes together.
  7. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

    • Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
  8. How do I know when the cookies are done?

    • The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden brown.
  9. Can I use unsalted butter?

    • Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
  10. What other variations can I try?

    • Experiment with different flavors by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or spices to the dough.