Indulge in the heavenly flavors of this melt-in-your-mouth shortbread recipe. With a buttery texture and delicate crumble, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making it a great recipe for beginners. Enjoy these irresistible treats with a cup of tea or package them beautifully as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Interesting Facts
Shortbread originated in Scotland and was traditionally made with just three ingredients: butter, sugar, and oats.
The name 'shortbread' comes from the term 'shortening,' which refers to the high fat content in the recipe.
Shortbread is known for its crumbly texture, which is achieved by using a low protein flour and a high ratio of butter to flour.