Classic Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Introduction

Shortbread cookies are a timeless treat with their buttery, crumbly texture and just the right amount of sweetness. With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time.

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Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

2. Cream the Butter

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon for this step.

3. Add the Sugar

Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the creamed butter. Continue to mix until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

4. Incorporate the Flour

Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter and sugar mixture. If you'd like, you can also add the vanilla extract at this stage for extra flavor. Gently mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine the ingredients until they come together.

5. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently to form a smooth ball.

6. Roll and Cut

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). You can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles.

7. Prick with a Fork

Place the cut cookies on your prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to prick each cookie a few times. This helps the cookies bake evenly and adds the classic shortbread appearance.

8. Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep a close eye on them.

9. Cool and Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, your classic shortbread cookies are ready to enjoy! They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips:

For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the cookies with a little extra powdered sugar while they're still warm.

Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

These homemade shortbread cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy baking and savoring these buttery delights!