Shortbread Cookie Recipe | Simple & Delicious Holiday Treat

There’s something about the first whiff of butter and sugar in the oven that makes the holidays feel real. This shortbread cookie recipe fills the kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Each bite melts gently on your tongue, like snowflakes that don’t last long but leave behind pure happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Shortbread Cookie Recipe

You’ll love this shortbread cookie recipe because it’s everything a Christmas cookie should be: buttery, tender, and simple. It’s made with just a few ingredients and no leavening agents, so the texture stays classic—crumbly yet soft. The dough rolls beautifully, holds its shape while baking, and adapts well to any flavor twist. You can leave the cookies plain, dip them in chocolate, or even try a brown sugar variation for a richer note.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients Explained)

Butter

Unsalted butter gives you full control over flavor. It’s the backbone of shortbread, providing that rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel. European butter works even better because of its higher fat content, adding a velvety depth to each bite.

Sugar

Powdered sugar is key to a delicate crumb. Unlike granulated sugar, it blends smoothly into the butter and keeps the texture light. It’s also what gives shortbread its gentle sweetness rather than a sugary crunch.

Flour and Cornstarch

Flour provides the base, but cornstarch is the secret ingredient that creates the signature softness. Together, they form a dough that bakes into a crisp edge and a tender center.

Vanilla and Salt

Vanilla adds warmth, while salt keeps the sweetness in check. The two together balance the buttery richness and make each bite taste round and complete.

How to Make Shortbread Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Then slowly add powdered sugar, mixing until the texture turns pale and airy. This step traps air, which gives your cookies that perfect lightness.

Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Mixing them first helps ensure even texture and prevents overworking the dough later.

Step 3 – Mix and Chill the Dough

Add the dry ingredients gradually to the butter mixture. Stir just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. Chilling firms up the butter and makes the dough easier to roll.

Step 4 – Roll and Cut

Lightly flour your surface, then roll the dough to about ⅛–¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter for clean, neat shapes. If the dough softens too much, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookies about two inches apart and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden. Let them cool completely before handling—they’ll firm up as they rest. You’ll get about 44 cookies, each one tender and buttery.

Pro Tips for the Best Shortbread Texture

Use butter that’s soft but not melted. Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dense texture. Always chill the dough before rolling—it helps cookies hold their shape. For even more flavor, use European-style butter. Adjust the baking time slightly depending on how thick you roll the dough; thinner cookies bake faster.

Optional Variations

Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread

Melt your favorite chocolate, dip half of each cooled cookie, and let them set on parchment. It adds a glossy finish and a touch of luxury.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips right after mixing the dry ingredients. You’ll get tiny bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Brown Sugar Shortbread

Swap out ¼ cup of the powdered sugar for brown sugar and add 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch. The result is deeper in flavor with a subtle caramel edge.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can refrigerate the dough for up to five days. If it gets too firm, let it warm slightly before rolling. Once baked, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh for a week. For longer storage, freeze the dough or the baked cookies. These make perfect gifts, especially when paired with Caramel Apple Cookies for a cozy holiday twist or Peppermint Bark Brownies for festive flavor pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe as a rich holiday cookie option
• Pistachio Pudding Cookies for colorful Christmas cookie trays
• Cowboy Cookies Recipe for a hearty cookie variety
• 4th of July Crinkle Cookies with seasonal color inspiration
• Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe for a classic nutty cookie option

Conclusion

Shortbread cookies are timeless—simple, buttery, and endlessly comforting. They’re just as perfect with a mug of cocoa as they are wrapped in ribbon for a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped, or flavored, this shortbread cookie recipe delivers that tender crumb that melts into every joyful moment. For more festive ideas, follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.

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