Easy Shortbread Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate buttery treat, these easy shortbread cookies are just what you need! Made with only four simple ingredients, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday baking or an everyday sweet snack. Whether you use a cookie press, cut them into shapes, or roll and flatten the dough, these cookies are a classic favorite that never disappoints. They’re rich, crumbly, and so easy to make that you’ll find yourself baking them again and again.

Why You’ll Love Easy Buttery Shortbread Cookies

• These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a rich, buttery flavor in every bite. The smooth texture and crumbly edges make them irresistible for both kids and adults. They’re perfect for pairing with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Every bite feels like a cozy moment of joy.

• The recipe uses just four basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No need to hunt for anything fancy or make a special trip to the store. Simple ingredients mean less hassle and more baking fun. This makes it an ideal choice for beginner bakers or last-minute holiday treats.

• The dough is super easy to work with and very forgiving. Whether you’re using a cookie press, rolling it out, or shaping it by hand, it holds up well and bakes evenly. If you chill it for just a few minutes, it becomes even easier to shape. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together.

• These cookies are so versatile and customizable. Add chocolate chips, dip in melted chocolate, or decorate with sprinkles for a festive twist. You can even switch up the extract for a different flavor profile. One recipe, endless cookie creations!

• They store well and even freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time. Perfect for holiday gift tins, party trays, or just to have on hand for a quick treat. Their long shelf life makes them practical as well as delicious. You’ll love having a batch ready whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients For Easy Buttery Shortbread Cookies

• Unsalted Butter – This is the star of the show, giving the cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor. Make sure it’s softened so it creams easily with the sugar.

• White Granulated Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping the cookies hold their shape.

• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor and adds warmth and depth to the buttery dough.

• All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender and crumbly.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Buttery Shortbread Cookies

• Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a large bowl to mix your ingredients and form the dough.

• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar easy and ensures a light, fluffy texture.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for getting your ingredient amounts just right.

• Cookie Press (Optional) – Perfect if you want beautifully shaped cookies with minimal effort.

• Baking Sheets – For laying out your cookies evenly so they bake to golden perfection.

• Cooling Rack – Helps cool your cookies evenly and keeps them from getting soggy underneath.

• Spatula – Useful for transferring cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack.

How To Make Easy Buttery Shortbread Cookies

• Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

• Mix in the vanilla extract to add flavor.

• Gradually add flour to create a smooth dough.

• Shape the dough using a cookie press or roll it into small balls and press with a fork.

• Arrange cookies on ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each one.

• Bake at 350°F until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

• Let them cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a warm drink like Turkish coffee, lemon tea, or homemade hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

• Add them to a holiday cookie tray alongside other favorites like pinwheel sugar cookies and lemon crinkles.

• Dip half of each cookie in chocolate chip frosting and top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive look.

• Wrap them in clear treat bags or place in cookie tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tips For Success

• Use softened butter – Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter will make the dough too runny. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. This ensures the best texture in your cookies.

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• Measure flour correctly – Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a flat edge. Scooping directly from the bag packs in too much flour. Too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Proper measuring keeps the texture light and tender.

• Don’t overmix the dough – Once the flour is added, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and buttery. Stop as soon as a smooth dough forms. Gentle mixing keeps them melt-in-your-mouth soft.

• Space the cookies out – Leave space between cookies on the baking sheet, even if they don’t spread much. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from sticking together. Whether using a cookie press or shaping by hand, spacing matters. Uniform baking gives the best results.

• Watch them closely in the oven – Bake just until the edges start to turn golden. The cookies should stay pale in the center. Overbaking takes away that delicate buttery flavor. Set a timer and check early for the perfect finish.

• Cool on the pan first – Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a rack. They’re very tender and may break if moved too soon. A short cooling time helps them firm up. Then transfer carefully to a wire rack to finish cooling.

• Great for make-ahead and freezing – These cookies keep well in an airtight container for several days. You can also freeze them once cooled. Just layer with parchment in a container or bag. Perfect for holiday prep or anytime snacking!

Variations and Substitutions

• Use different extracts – Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist, or add citrus zest like lemon or orange for a bright, fresh flavor.

• Mix in extras – Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like pecans or pistachios), or dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries. Stick to about ½ cup of mix-ins to keep the dough balanced.

• Chocolate-dipped cookies – After baking, dip one side of each cookie in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or colored sugar for a festive look.

• Drizzle instead of dip – Melt chocolate and drizzle it across the top of the cookies for a quick and elegant finish.

• Make it dairy-free – Use plant-based butter that’s suitable for baking to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the flavor may change slightly, but the texture will still be soft and buttery.

• Try a gluten-free version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the structure and tenderness.

• Savory twist – Reduce the sugar a bit and add fresh chopped rosemary or thyme. Top with flaky sea salt before baking for a savory shortbread perfect for cheese boards.

• Shape options – Roll the dough into balls, cut with cookie cutters, press into a pan to slice into bars, or use a cookie press. No matter the shape, they bake beautifully!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Room temperature storage – Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. A cookie tin or zip-top bag works perfectly to maintain freshness.

• Refrigeration option – To extend their shelf life, store cookies in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

• Freezer-friendly – Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Thawing instructions – To enjoy later, thaw frozen cookies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

• Reheating tip (optional) – For that just-baked feel, warm a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or they may become too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make shortbread cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes if it’s too firm to shape. This makes it easy to press, roll, or cut into your desired cookie shapes.

Why did my shortbread cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread more than expected, it could be because the butter was too soft or the dough was overmixed. Try chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape. Also, avoid placing dough on a hot baking sheet from a previous batch—use a cool pan each time. These little changes can make a big difference in how the cookies bake.

Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?

Absolutely! While a cookie press makes it fun to create detailed shapes, it’s not required. You can roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten them slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass. The cookies still bake beautifully and taste just as amazing.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch. Just omit any added salt from the recipe (if using), and expect a slightly saltier flavor. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the taste, but both will yield a delicious cookie.

What’s the difference between shortbread and sugar cookies?

Shortbread cookies contain no eggs or leavening agents, giving them a denser and more crumbly texture. Sugar cookies are often softer and more cake-like, and they hold their shape well when cut into shapes. Shortbread is richer and melts in your mouth, while sugar cookies are typically sweeter and decorated with icing. Both are delicious, but shortbread is the more buttery and indulgent option.

Can I add decorations before baking?

Yes, you can sprinkle colored sugar or press decorations like nonpareils into the dough before baking. Just be gentle so the shapes hold. If you’re dipping or icing the cookies, wait until after baking and cooling. Decorating is a great way to personalize your batch.

Do these cookies work well for gifting?

Definitely! Shortbread cookies are sturdy, beautiful, and stay fresh for days, making them perfect for gift bags, cookie boxes, and tins. They’re a favorite during the holidays, but also great for birthdays, thank-you gifts, or party favors. Just make sure they’re completely cool before packaging.

What flour works best for shortbread cookies?

All-purpose flour is the best choice for this recipe. It creates the perfect tender and crumbly texture without being too delicate. Avoid using self-rising flour, as the added leavening will change the structure. Stick with plain all-purpose flour for that classic shortbread feel.

Other Easy Cookie Recipes

Molasses Gingersnap Cookies – These soft and chewy gingersnap cookies are packed with warm spices and rich molasses flavor, perfect for holiday baking.

Matcha Green Tea Cookies – These buttery matcha cookies are lightly sweet with earthy green tea flavor and crisp edges.

Almond Flour Butter Cookies – These keto-friendly butter cookies made with almond flour are rich, crumbly, and melt in your mouth.

Coconut Banana Cookies – Naturally sweetened with banana and packed with coconut, these easy cookies are vegan, paleo, and gluten-free.

Chocolate Crackle Cookies – These fudgy chocolate crackle cookies have a crisp, crackled exterior and soft, gooey center.

Hamantaschen Cookies for Purim – These traditional triangle-shaped cookies are filled with sweet jam and perfect for celebrating Purim.

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies – Made with cake mix, these strawberry crinkle cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with berry flavor.

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