Perfect Flower-Shaped Shortbread Cookies
Delicate flower-shaped shortbread cookies with a tender crumb and a light homemade glaze, perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with sifted powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.
- Sift in all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed or fold in gently with a spatula until just combined. Dough will look crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Shape dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin. Roll chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness.
- Press flower-shaped cookie cutter firmly into dough and transfer cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill dough again for 5 minutes if it softens too much.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Add food coloring if desired.
- Drizzle or pipe glaze over cooled cookies. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set.
Notes
Chilling the dough before rolling helps keep flower edges crisp and defined. Use powdered sugar instead of granulated for a tender crumb and smooth glaze. If glaze thickens, add more liquid to adjust consistency. Keep dough and baking environment cool to prevent spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 1
Keywords: shortbread cookies, flower-shaped cookies, homemade glaze, easy cookies, buttery cookies, gift cookies, tea time cookies