Tender Buttery Shortbread Cookies
These tender buttery shortbread cookies are an easy, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. Ideal for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and cornstarch (if using).
- Gradually fold the sifted flour mixture into the butter mixture using a spatula until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the cookies by rolling the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness and cutting into shapes, or press the dough into a lined baking pan for a shortbread slab.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart and bake for 18-22 minutes until edges turn light golden and centers are set but tender.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted or cold, for best dough consistency. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cookies tender. Chill dough if kitchen is warm to maintain shape. Keep baking sheets cool between batches to prevent spreading. Cookies can be refrigerated up to 3 days before baking. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 6.5
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 1
Keywords: shortbread cookies, buttery cookies, easy cookies, melt in your mouth, holiday cookies, gluten-free option, dairy-free option