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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup cornstarch - Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts Each ingredient plays a key role in making buttery shortbread cookies. - Unsalted butter gives the cookies their rich flavor. It also adds moisture. - Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and helps them to spread. - All-purpose flour forms the base and gives structure. - Salt enhances the sweet flavor and balances the taste. - Vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting aroma. - Cornstarch makes the cookies extra tender and light. Each of these ingredients works together to create the perfect texture and taste. You can easily customize your shortbread cookies. Here are some fun add-ins: - Mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in each bite. - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a crunchy contrast. Feel free to mix and match these options for your favorite flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cookies later. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Cream these together for about 3-4 minutes. You want the mix to be light and fluffy. It should look pale in color. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and mix until combined. This gives your cookies a nice flavor. In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sifting helps to mix these dry ingredients well and removes lumps. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Combine gently so you don’t over-mix the dough. This keeps your cookies tender. If you want to add a twist, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. Now it’s time to shape the cookies. Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball in your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space allows them to spread while baking. Next, flatten each ball slightly using the back of a fork or your palm. This helps them bake evenly. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. Look for light golden brown edges, while the centers should stay pale and soft. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, use a spatula to move them to a wire rack for full cooling. Enjoy your perfect buttery shortbread cookies! To get that perfect shortbread texture, use room temperature butter. Cold butter won't mix well, and your cookies will not be tender. Cream the butter and sugar for about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air and makes your cookies light. Sift the flour and cornstarch together to avoid lumps. Mix just until combined. Over-mixing will lead to tough cookies. A smooth dough is key. Don’t forget to let the cookies cool for a bit on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them firm up. One common mistake is using cold butter. It doesn’t blend well with sugar and makes cookies dense. Another issue is over-mixing the dough. This can make your cookies tough instead of tender. Make sure to space the cookies properly on the baking sheet. If they are too close, they will stick together. Lastly, keep an eye on baking time. If you overbake, the cookies will be hard. You want them just golden at the edges. To boost flavor, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest. These small changes give a fresh twist. You can also fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or nuts for texture. For a lovely presentation, arrange cookies on a decorative plate. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pair your cookies with tea or coffee for a delightful treat. Happy baking! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For even more tender cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, leading to less spread as they bake. Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size. This guarantees even baking and a consistent look. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or lemon for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Storage Tips: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to a week. {{image_4}} You can easily add a twist to your classic shortbread. Just fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips after mixing the dough. The rich chocolate adds a nice contrast to the buttery flavor. It’s an exciting surprise in every bite! Nuts offer more flavor and crunch. You can use finely chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Just add 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts into the dough. This gives the cookies a lovely texture and nutty taste. Want a grain-free treat? You can swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour. This keeps the cookies tender and adds a light nutty flavor. You can also use coconut flour, but reduce the amount to 1/2 cup and add an extra egg for moisture. Enjoy these tasty options without worry! To keep your buttery shortbread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crispness. You can use a cookie jar or a resealable plastic bag. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Avoid storing cookies in the fridge, as this can make them lose their texture. Freezing shortbread cookies is easy and keeps them tasty. First, let the cookies cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label it with the date. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Buttery shortbread cookies last about 1 week when stored properly in an airtight container. If frozen, they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they look or smell off, it's best to discard them. Enjoying them fresh ensures the best flavor and texture! The secret lies in using high-quality butter. It gives the cookies their rich flavor. Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing. Also, do not over-mix the dough. This keeps the cookies tender and light. Sifting the flour and cornstarch also helps. It removes lumps and creates a smooth dough. Finally, bake them just until the edges turn golden. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and chill it. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to two days. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking. This is a great way to have fresh cookies ready whenever you want. The best way to serve shortbread cookies is with a hot drink. Pair them with tea or coffee for a cozy treat. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a pretty look. Arrange them on a nice plate to impress guests. For a fun twist, serve them with dips like chocolate or caramel sauce. You can modify the recipe to fit dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter. If you're gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also make them sugar-free by using a sugar substitute. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs. This blog post covered everything you need for perfect buttery shortbread cookies. We talked about key ingredients and why each one matters. You learned step-by-step instructions to bake cookies with the right texture. We also explored fun flavor variations and important storage tips. In the end, making shortbread cookies is easy and rewarding. You can impress friends and family with your baking skills. Just remember to have fun and be creative in the kitchen. Enjoy your sweet treats!

Delicious Buttery Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 2 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Incorporate the vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, combining until just blended.
  • If using, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
  • Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Flatten each dough ball into a round disk with the back of a fork or your palm.
  • Place the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

To add a touch of elegance, arrange the cooled cookies on a beautiful decorative plate. For a festive flair, dust the tops with powdered sugar.
Keyword buttery, cookies, shortbread