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Shortbread Cookies Recipe
If you're looking for the perfect shortbread cookie recipe, your search ends here. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are ideal for any occasion, from casual days to festive gatherings. Simple yet rich, this shortbread cookie recipe requires only four common ingredients, making it easy to prepare yet incredibly delicious.
What Are Shortbread Cookies?
Originating from Scotland, shortbread cookies are traditionally made with butter, sugar, and flour. Unlike most other cookies, shortbread doesn't contain leavening agents like baking powder or soda. This lack of leavening, along with the high butter content, gives these cookies a tender, crumbly texture that practically melts in your mouth.
How to Make Shortbread Cookies
Making shortbread cookies is a breeze, whether you're using a hand or stand mixer. Here's a quick overview of what the process looks like:
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Mix in the vanilla and flour until well combined.
- Shape the dough with a cookie press or by rolling and cutting it into your desired shapes.
- Bake until golden brown.
Shortbread Cookie Variations
While this basic recipe is fantastic on its own, here are a few ideas to customize your shortbread cookies:
- Add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra richness.
- Top with sprinkles, fruit jelly, or icing for a fun decoration.
- Dip in white or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
How to Store Shortbread Cookies
Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, where they'll stay good for about 10 days.
Can You Freeze Shortbread Cookies?
Yes, shortbread cookies freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight or zip-top bag. Be sure to place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer of cookies to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups softened butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the flour. Mix until well combined.
- If using a cookie press, fill it with dough and form cookies on two ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inches apart. Alternatively, roll the dough out and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden brown.
- Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Then transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 490 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 31g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 81mg |
| Sodium | 219mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Calcium | 16mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 55mg |
Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of tea or share them as a delightful homemade gift. Whether you're a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Origin and History of Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies have their origins in Scotland, where they were first made centuries ago. The earliest known recipe for shortbread dates back to the 12th century, though the modern form of the cookie emerged in the 16th century. Initially, shortbread was a luxury item, often reserved for special occasions such as Christmas or weddings. The name "shortbread" comes from the word "short," which refers to the crumbly texture of the cookie due to the high fat content. Traditionally, shortbread was made using only butter, flour, and sugar, with no eggs or leavening agents, making it a simple yet indulgent treat.
Regional Variations of Shortbread
While shortbread is often associated with Scotland, variations of the cookie can be found across the British Isles and even beyond. In England, for example, shortbread is sometimes flavored with orange zest or infused with herbs such as rosemary. In Ireland, shortbread might be made with a bit of Irish whiskey or flavored with honey. In the United States, shortbread is often seen around the holidays, and it has even made its way into Christmas gift baskets. Although the ingredients remain largely the same, these regional twists reflect the diverse ways in which shortbread has evolved over time.
How Shortbread Differs from Similar Cookies
Shortbread cookies are unique in their simplicity and texture. Unlike most cookies, shortbread does not contain any leavening agents, which gives it a dense, buttery, and crumbly texture. This is in contrast to cookies like chocolate chip or sugar cookies, which are typically lighter and chewier due to the presence of baking soda or powder. Additionally, shortbread has a much higher butter-to-flour ratio compared to other cookies, contributing to its melt-in-your-mouth consistency. While many cookies are sweetened with both sugar and other ingredients (such as eggs or vanilla), shortbread relies on the richness of butter to define its flavor.
Where to Serve Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a popular treat in many parts of the world, especially during the holiday season. In Scotland, shortbread is traditionally served with tea or enjoyed as a part of festive meals. The cookies are often given as gifts during the holidays and are commonly seen at Christmas parties and other celebrations. In the United States, shortbread is often included in holiday dessert trays or as part of a cookie exchange. Its simple, buttery flavor makes it a favorite for pairing with hot beverages such as coffee or tea. You might also find shortbread served alongside other desserts at weddings or afternoon tea gatherings.
Interesting Facts About Shortbread Cookies
- Shortbread cookies were once baked on a wooden board and cut into triangles, resembling the shape of a Scottish thistle.
- The famous Walkers Shortbread brand, founded in 1898, is still one of the most recognizable names in shortbread production worldwide.
- During the holiday season, shortbread is often decorated with colored sugar, icing, or dipped in chocolate to add an extra festive touch.
- In Scotland, shortbread is often referred to as the queen of biscuits, reflecting its long-standing reputation as a luxury treat.
- In addition to the traditional round or wedge shapes, shortbread cookies are sometimes made into fun shapes, such as stars or hearts, for special occasions.
FAQ about Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Comments
Allrecipes Member
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
these cookies were fantastic!! i rolled out the dough and used cutters.. turned out fantastic.. also have sprinkled with sugar, and others i drizzled with chocolate.. great recipe, you gotta try it..
yes2mi
04/02/2024 04:11:48 PM
I read the reviews that mentioned the dough was too dry or crumbly. Keep in mind that when our old Scottish grannies were making these cookies for their families, they DID NOT have a $300 fancy-pants mixer. They had a sturdy spoon and strong arms. As you add the flour and it's crumbly, dump it all out onto a parchment paper on your bread board. Wash your hands well and then grab those crumbles and begin to press them into a ball. Keep gently turning and pressing those crumbles and you'll suddenly see something magical happen. The warmth from your skin will soften the butter and the next thing you know you have a smooth creamy dough. You can lay another piece of parchment over your dough ball and roll it smooth and flat to your desired thickness. This isn't rocket science. The old grannies knew more than we give them credit for. Enjoy.
JMOFPA
12/20/2023 03:09:15 AM
I’m curious as to where this recipe was found. This is the exact recipe my mother had made since the 1950s. She referred to them as butter cookies. She used the Mirror cookie press and red and green food coloring at Christmas time. Also, her recipe included 1/4 tsp of mace. Because the recipe was in her handwritten cookbook, I have no idea where it originated. I’d appreciate it if anyone has any history on this recipe. Thanks.
LJMatthes
04/17/2020 01:54:20 PM
Was difficult to use with my spritz press so I rolled it out using confectioners sugar instead of flour so the dough didn’t become tough. Then made cut outs instead. Sprinkled with colored sugar before baking. Really yummy cookies and easy to make.
Julia Hutchings Byrne
04/18/2018 08:15:33 PM
Just made them and they are so good! I used land o lakes spreadable butter and it was so much easier as I didn’t have to wait for it to soften yet it still had same buttery taste and consistency. I did roll batter into two rolls using Saran Wrap and put in fridge for an hour to harden then sliced them. I baked for 15 minutes and then dipped in chocolate ganache. These are my new go to cookies!
Jeanie Hammond
01/01/2020 04:10:08 PM
We have made them twice already and they were eaten quickly by 3 adults! We don’t have a cookie press so we gently rolled the cookie dough and cut with cookie cutter. We will definitely make them again. Sooooo delicious.
Charming Chickadee
05/05/2025 11:02:16 AM
Delicious recipe. I added 2tbs of fresh chopped lemon balm to the batter. After the cookies were baked I dipped half of each cookie in white chocolate and topped with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals. Fantastic!
axhxe
12/15/2017 11:45:36 PM
This recipe was simple, and resulted in some of the best shortbread I have ever had! The only changes I made, was I stirred the batter by hand after I creamed the butter and sugar with a mixer. I also don't own a cookie press, so I rolled the batter into balls and pressed with a spoon. I got about 4 1/2 dozen cookies and drizzled white chocolate and sprinkles!
Aime Hutton
12/12/2018 01:50:11 AM
I love this simple recipe! I use unsalted butter, and since I do not have a cookie press I roll them and then fork them like a peanut butter cookie. I also put in milk chocolate chips. I am curious to know what adding crushed up peppermint candy cane's along with the chocolate chips!
Rabeeya Kazmi
03/16/2019 12:31:16 AM
Skip the Vanilla!!! almost just like Walker's Shortbread Cookies. YOU DON'T NEED A COOKIE PRESS. Roll out the dough and cut out circles or rectangles and punch little holes in with a fork. Bake and enjoy!!
CaringGrape2100
04/01/2023 07:11:21 PM
I followed the recipe exactly and the cookies turned out spectacular. The only thing, since I don't own a cookie press, I just rolled the dough into a walnut sized balls rolled in a bit of sugar and pressed them lightly with the bottom of a glass. Perfect, uniform shaped cookies. Overall amazing.
Laura
09/11/2025 02:36:52 AM
Straight up yummy!
Alexis
07/08/2025 07:09:48 PM
Absolutely live this
TastyKale3258
07/01/2025 08:37:10 PM
Amazing recipe!!!!!!!
PoliteStir2658
02/08/2025 07:53:02 PM
These were a hit !
MatureRibs5060
02/05/2025 03:51:55 AM
Great recipe!
ShinyEel1570
01/26/2025 05:58:56 PM
I rolled my balls in a colored and white sugar mix before flattening with a glass.
PlumChip7457
01/11/2025 02:39:08 PM
Just love them 💕 thank you
Catherine Taylor
01/07/2025 05:36:21 PM
This recipe made me feel like a pro chef.
PastaPrince
01/05/2025 08:14:04 PM
I used salted butter and made 4 dozen. The bottom of the cookies were crispy and flakey like a biscuit. A new household favorite!
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