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    You are here: Home / Recent Posts / Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    Last Updated On: May 26, 2024 by Sharmilee J

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    Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, melt in the mouth cookies originated from Scotland. These classic shortbread cookies is made using just 3 main ingredients flour, butter and sugar. Let us learn to make shortbread cookies with step by step pictures and video.

    shortbread cookies placed in a wooden bowl

    Shortbread cookies always remain a special place in my baking journey because it was one of the first few cookie recipes that I tried and turned out perfect during my initial days of baking. Also these cookies are mittu’s most favorite so make it often for her snack time.

    Jump to:
    • What are Shortbread Cookies?
    • Video
    • Shortbread Cookie Variations
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Shortbread Cookies Step by Step
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQS
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    What are Shortbread Cookies?

    Shortbread Cookies are rich, melt in the mouth butter cookies made with just 3 main base ingredients flour, butter and sugar. These cookies originated from Scotland and unlike other cookies these do not use any leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. These cookies are high in fat so the texture is crumbly and tender making it just melt in your mouth.

    Shortbread cookies are very easy and simple to make. You can either use a hand whisk or electric mixer. Cream sugar and butter first then add vanilla, flour gather to form a dough, chill the dough, cut into shape and bake them – yes as simple as that.

    Its simple, easy and quick to make with no additional baking powder or baking soda too..how cool is that?! It is perfect for your kids too. With just 3 base ingredients, these cookies are amazing I would say.

    You can make the dough well in advance and freeze them. On the day of baking you can either cut into slices or shapes and bake them accordingly. These cookies are mildly sweet, tastes delicious and just melts in your mouth – no wonder it is most kids favorite.

    shortbread cookies placed in a wooden bowl

    Traditionally shortbread cookies were made for holidays Christmas and New year eve but as the popularity gained nowadays this is made throughout the year. These cookies can be made in various shapes and sizes.

    The key to perfect shortbread cookies is to use good quality butter as it is one of the main ingredient here. Actually no need to add any additional flavoring here so vanilla essence is also optional. Shortbread is often called as ‘Royal Shortbread’ and it is delicious when served plain or decorated with icing.

    You can make cut out shaped cookies or just like icebox cookies using the same dough. For slicing the cookies first make a dough log cling wrap and chill it, then slice and bake.

    Video

    Why you will love this recipe?

    • Just 3 main base ingredients : flour, butter and sugar.
    • No leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda.
    • Easy, simple and quick to make.
    • Rich, buttery and melt in the mouth.
    • Perfect as gifting for holidays.

    Shortbread Cookie Variations

    These cookies have a lot of variations like adding nuts, chocolate, dipping the cookies in melted chocolate, cookies with royal icing, cookies with chocolate glaze, top it with sprinkles and the list goes on. Here is the collection that I’ve tried:

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Ingredients

    • Flour – All purpose flour or maida is used for this recipe. However you can use wheat flour too, have given the recipe in variations.
    • Butter – Butter at room temperature is used but it is okay if it is chilled you can use a whisk to soften it.
    • Sugar – Icing sugar is used in these classic cookies. But you can replace it with powdered sugar too.
    • Vanilla – Though vanilla essence is optional this gives a mild flavor to the cookies.
    • Salt – Use salt if your butter is unsalted, if you are using salted butter then skip salt.
    a display of ingredients needed to make shortbread cookies

    How to make Shortbread Cookies Step by Step

    1.To a bowl add 1 cup flour along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Give a quick mix and set aside. If using salted butter skip adding salt.

    mix flour and salt

    2.Using electric mixer beat butter until creamy. If your butter is already at room temperature then you can skip this step.

    cream butter well

    3.To a sieve add 1/4 cup icing sugar and sieve it well. Icing sugar tends to have lumps so always sieve before using.

    sieve and add icing sugar

    4.Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy then add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence.

    cream butter, sugar add vanilla

    5.Give a quick whisk then add in the flour mixture.

    add flour

    6.Use the electric beater and whisk for few seconds. Use a deep bowl as while whisking it may easily spill out.

    give a quick mix

    7.Then use a spatula to bring together first.

    mix with spatula

    8.Combine gently with your finger tips. Do not knead.

    gather to form a dough

    9.Gather to form a soft dough.

    make a soft dough

    10.Flatten it lightly so that it will easy to roll after chilling. Cling wrap the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

    cling wrap and refrigerate

    11.After the dough is chilled it will be firm now open the cling wrap.

    place it on parchment paper

    12.Place it in between 2 parchment papers. Roll it to 1/4 inch thickness.

    roll it in between 2 parchment papers

    13.Dip the cookie cutter in flour. This is to avoid sticking while cutting the shape.

    dip cookie cutter in flour

    14.Cut into shapes. Preheat oven at 180 deg C for 10 minutes.

    cut into shapes

    15.You can use different shapes and sizes as you like it.

    shapes cut and ready

    16.Remove it carefully.

    remove carefully

    17.Collect the scraps.

    collect the scrapes

    18.Again roll between parchment papers and cut into shapes. Repeat to finish until you are done with the entire dough.

    again roll and cut into shapes

    19.Prick with fork this is just for the look.

    prick with fork

    20.Arrange it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can keep the tray in fridge for 10 minutes before baking for the cookies to harden if they are soft.

    arrange in baking tray

    21.Bake in preheated oven at 180 deg C for 15 minutes or until the edges starts to turn golden.

    bake in preheated oven

    22.Shortbread cookies are done. Cool down on a wire rack before storing.

    shortbread cookies are ready

    Enjoy shortbread cookies!

    shortbread cookies placed in a wooden bowl

    Expert Tips

    • Flour mix – If adding salt add it along with flour mix it well and set aside.
    • Creaming – Always cream butter well if it is chilled. Then cream butter and sugar well until fluffy. Either use hand whisk or electric beater for creaming. You can also use stand mixer.
    • Dough – Gather to form the dough with your finger tips, do not knead. Always chill the dough before cutting. If you feel the dough soft and sticking chill it for few more minutes.
    • Shaping – You can either cut them into shapes or make a log and slice them. If the cookies are soft they will spread too much while baking so make sure the cookies are chilled and hard before baking.
    • Baking – Bake only until the edges turn golden do not over bake. Check after 12 minutes then proceed baking as each oven is different.

    FAQS

    1.Can I use salted butter?

    Yes you can use salted butter but skip adding salt in the flour.

    2.How to store shortbread cookies and what is the shelf life of these cookies?

    You can store shortbread cookies in a dry airtight jar or in a zip lock cover. These cookies keeps well in room temperature for about 5 days and in fridge for up to 10 days.

    3.Can I freeze these cookies?

    Yes you can freeze shortbread cookies up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container or zip lock bag with parchment paper placed in between. Thaw the cookies in fridge overnight then serve it. You can slightly warm it up in the oven if you want.

    4.How do I know if the cookies are done?

    The cookies will start to brown at the edges and the aroma of buttery cookies will be filled. The cookies will soft to touch once out from the oven later after cooling it will harden.

    5.Why are they called shortbread cookies?

    These cookies are tender, short has a crumbly texture and so named as shortbread cookies.

    shortbread cookies stacked up

    If you have any more questions about this Shortbread Cookies Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .
    Tried this Shortbread Cookies Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    📖 Recipe Card

    shortbread cookies5
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Shortbread Cookies Recipe

    Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, melt in the mouth cookies originated from Scotland. These classic shortbread cookies is made using just 3 main ingredients flour, butter and sugar. Let us learn to make shortbread cookies with step by step pictures and video.
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Servings25 cookies
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup flour
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    • 1/4 cup icing sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla essence
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • To a bowl add 1 cup flour along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Give a quick mix and set aside. If using salted butter skip adding salt.
    • Using electric mixer beat butter until creamy. If your butter is already at room temperature then you can skip this step.
    • To a sieve add 1/4 cup icing sugar and sieve it well. Icing sugar tends to have lumps so always sieve before adding.
    • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy then add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence.
    • Give a quick whisk then add in the flour mixture.
    • Use the electric beater to just bring it together. Use a deep bowl as while whisking it may easily spill out.
    • Then use a spatula to combine.
    • Combine gently with your finger tips. Do not knead.
    • Gather to form a soft dough.
    • Flatten it lightly so that it will easy to roll after chilling. Cling wrap the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
    • After the dough is chilled it will be firm now open the cling wrap.
    • Take the dough and place it in between 2 parchment papers. Roll it to 1/4 inc h thickness.
    • Dip the cookie cutter in flour. This is to avoid sticking while cutting the shape.
    • Cut into shapes. Preheat oven at 180 deg C for 10 minutes.
    • You can use different shapes and sizes as you like it.
    • Remove it carefully.
    • Collect the scraps.
    • Again roll between parchment papers and cut into shapes.
    • Prick with fork this is just for the look.
    • Arrange it in a baking tray with parchment paper. You can keep the tray in fridge for 10 minutes for the cookies to harden if they are soft.
    • Bake in preheated oven at 180 deg C for 15 minutes or until the edges starts to turn golden.
    • Shortbread cookies are done. Cool down on a wire rack before storing.Enjoy shortbread cookies!

    Video

    Notes

    • Flour mix – If adding salt add it along with flour mix it well and set aside.
    • Creaming – Always cream butter well if it is chilled. Then cream butter and sugar well until fluffy. Either use hand whisk or electric beater for creaming. You can also use stand mixer.
    • Dough – Gather to form the dough with your finger tips, do not knead. Always chill the dough before cutting. If you feel the dough soft and sticking chill it for few more minutes.
    • Shaping – You can either cut them into shapes or make a log and slice them. If the cookies are soft they will spread too much while baking so make sure the cookies are chilled and hard before baking.
    • Baking – Bake only until the edges turn golden do not over bake. Check after 12 minutes then proceed baking as each oven is different.
    Nutrition Facts
    Shortbread Cookies Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (15 g)
    Calories 83 Calories from Fat 36
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 4g6%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Trans Fat 0.2g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 1g
    Cholesterol 11mg4%
    Sodium 1mg0%
    Potassium 10mg0%
    Carbohydrates 11g4%
    Fiber 0.2g1%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 125IU3%
    Calcium 2mg0%
    Iron 0.4mg2%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
    Like our video?Subscribe to our youtube channel to get latest updates!

    15
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    Filed Under: Eggless Baking, RandomPosts, Recent Posts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nannam Deepthi

      February 18, 2013 at 11:53 am

      they look lovely, absolutely delicious…could you tell me the make of the oven.
      Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      • Sharmilee! :)

        March 19, 2013 at 3:53 pm

        Please check my oven post in the site for my oven details

        Reply
    2. di_ani

      February 18, 2013 at 11:56 am

      This is a great idea and recipe …
      Compliments – beautiful and elegant work and performance.
      Greetings and a nice new week, Diana

      Reply
    3. dassana

      February 18, 2013 at 11:59 am

      delish cookies and they are looking so cute.

      Reply
    4. SANDHYA KHATTRI

      February 18, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      Easy to follow recipe, with step by step instructions, Nice pics

      Reply
    5. anu

      February 18, 2013 at 12:18 pm

      yummy….

      Reply
    6. RAKS KITCHEN

      February 18, 2013 at 12:19 pm

      Looks very cute and the clicks are too good 🙂

      Reply
    7. Arthy Suman

      February 18, 2013 at 12:22 pm

      yummy cookies…its so easy to prepare…

      Reply
    8. APARNARAJESHKUMAR

      February 18, 2013 at 12:52 pm

      too good ! clicks are nice !

      Reply
    9. Laxmi

      February 18, 2013 at 1:05 pm

      wonderful presentation and clicks.. 🙂

      Reply
    10. Prathima Rao

      February 18, 2013 at 1:14 pm

      Looks amazing!!!!
      Prathima Rao
      Prats Corner

      Reply
    11. Priya

      February 18, 2013 at 1:19 pm

      Scrumptious cookies, quite addictive.

      Reply
    12. Jeyashrisuresh

      February 18, 2013 at 1:38 pm

      Super tempting clicks and yummy cookies

      Reply
    13. Divya Shivaraman

      February 18, 2013 at 3:03 pm

      they are super easy to make and its better not to avoid salt sharmie because shortbread cookies needs a salt taste in them, that differentiates their taste from other cookies.

      Reply
    14. Raksha

      February 18, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      these cookies look great and seam to be simple to prepare

      Reply
    15. CHITRA

      February 18, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      Looks cute.. Bookmarked !

      Reply
    16. Uma Ramanujam

      February 18, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      cookies looks so cute.. like the raw dough texture. it looks tempting..

      Reply
    17. Leena

      February 18, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      Crispy n crunchy goodies..

      Reply
    18. Dipti Joshi

      February 18, 2013 at 6:22 pm

      They are very easy to make, simple and quick accompaniment for tea or coffee.

      Reply
    19. Sangeetha

      February 18, 2013 at 8:12 pm

      very delicious and addictive cookies…lovely presentation!

      Reply
    20. Lubna Karim

      February 18, 2013 at 8:19 pm

      So cute and yum looking….

      Reply
    21. Veena Theagarajan

      February 18, 2013 at 11:41 pm

      super tempting crispy cookies

      Reply
    22. Shanavi

      February 18, 2013 at 11:51 pm

      Very cute and great presentation and I lov shortbread cookies but I don't make often cos of the butter needed to make it..

      Reply
    23. Peggy G.

      February 19, 2013 at 12:30 am

      What a great little treat!

      Reply
    24. Nagalakshmi V

      February 19, 2013 at 1:49 am

      i love the flavour of shortbread, especially the buttery-ness 🙂

      Reply
    25. Pallavi Venu

      February 19, 2013 at 3:29 am

      Hi,Can we bake the cookies in Cooker?

      Reply
      • Sharmilee! :)

        February 19, 2013 at 3:55 am

        Not sure..Pallavi

        Reply
    26. ushaprashanth

      February 19, 2013 at 3:56 am

      Hi!!!!
      Its easy to prepare recipe! Very nice pics!

      Reply
    27. RENU

      February 19, 2013 at 4:47 am

      hi sharmilee
      this recipe s nice….i saw ur next recipe is egg curry….can u post some more egg recipes…i mean egg roll recipe.thanks.jayanthi.

      Reply
      • Sharmilee! :)

        February 19, 2013 at 5:07 am

        Sure Renu am also planning to post more egg recipes after many requests from readers…so keep watching! 🙂

        Reply
    28. Dhivya Sekhar

      February 19, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Hi Sharmilee,

      Can we use custard powder for this recipe?

      Reply
    29. Rashmi Agrawal

      February 20, 2013 at 12:43 pm

      beautiful pics and cookies

      Reply
    30. Pallavi Venu

      February 21, 2013 at 7:06 am

      Hi can We bake them in Microwave ( in which Pre heat option is not there)?

      Reply
      • Sharmilee! :)

        February 21, 2013 at 10:15 am

        As far as I know preheating is a must for any baked goodie….check for alternates to preheat in ur oven type

        Reply
    31. sujatha umesh

      February 21, 2013 at 1:37 pm

      tried out these cookies today sharmi and they came out too gud…all at home simply luved them…thanks for such an easy recipe….:) 🙂

      Reply
    32. Nithya

      February 21, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Looks so perfect. This cookies is one of my favorites too 🙂

      Reply
    33. Tiji Abraham

      May 09, 2013 at 5:11 am

      Hi Sharmi…i tried these yesterday….. they taste good.Period! 🙂
      a little on the saltier side..i think i added more than a pinch….
      Also..i reduced the butter qty to a little less than 75 ml..
      Ive even tried ur eggless vanilla cake…..there also i reduced the amount of oil…the cake turned out good…n tht was my first time in baking…Thank u! 😀

      Reply
    34. APOORVA L U

      May 12, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      I tried them too!!!!its yummy!!!!
      Special treat to my mom on Mother's day!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing:)

      Reply
    35. Reshma Sharma

      July 24, 2013 at 4:53 am

      Lovely recipe, looks easy too. Shall be trying them soon 🙂

      Reply
    36. Goldyyy

      August 27, 2013 at 12:18 pm

      hi..how long would these cookies last? I want to post it to a friend living abroad, wich mite take 10-20 days…would they last that long? also, can i decorate these with royal icing decorations?
      thank you

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        August 27, 2013 at 12:46 pm

        Without icing it will stay good for about a week…not sure beyond that…

        Reply
    37. sangita

      August 29, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      can oil be substituted instead of butter.If yes then how much.

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        September 10, 2013 at 2:24 am

        I am not sure of the oil substitute measure….sorry

        Reply
    38. nilam kothari

      September 10, 2013 at 2:09 am

      nice recipe going to try them today.
      how much in advance can i make them?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        September 10, 2013 at 2:25 am

        It stays good for 1 week in room temperature

        Reply
    39. manisha

      September 18, 2013 at 11:18 am

      Can we use salted butter?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        September 19, 2013 at 2:41 pm

        Yes you can use …in that case skip salt.

        Reply
    40. Meenakshi Sharma

      April 29, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Made them yesterday.They taste awesome.Thanks

      Reply
    41. Raihan

      September 09, 2015 at 11:34 am

      I made them today : ) Thank you for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    42. Kaajal Bhawnani

      November 29, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      I have the samsung smart oven, i doubt i have an option to preheat or bake at 177 degrees. any suggestions on how the setting should be for a smart oven??

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        December 02, 2015 at 5:12 am

        Not sure Kaajal as mine is an OTG.You can try keeping at 180 deg C

        Reply
    43. Vij

      December 22, 2015 at 9:41 am

      Hi Sharmilee, I tried these amazing looking cookies from you and they turned awesome. I used the corn flour version and got that melt in the mouth texture. The family totally loved it so did friends. Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe in detail! One modification that I made…I had to add about a tbl spoon of extra maida as the dough turned quite soft to handle.

      Reply
    44. RekhaJaguva

      December 28, 2015 at 6:12 pm

      Looks yummy, At what temperature should the oven be set?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        December 28, 2015 at 6:28 pm

        I have already mentioned it as 177deg C

        Reply
    45. Keerthana Kancherla

      January 21, 2016 at 7:28 am

      Can we use all purpose flour instead of maida?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        January 24, 2016 at 4:38 am

        Yes

        Reply
    46. nalini g

      April 11, 2016 at 3:57 pm

      Hi sharmi .. Tried this today .. They came out so nice .. But I have a small query here .. While the first batch I pre heated my oven in toast mode and kept the same mode while baking too.. They came out decent .. Second batch .. I preheated the oven in toast mode and then I changed the mode to bake while baking .. They turned brown so quick .. What's the correct procedure here ?? .. Also my oven is also a morph my Richards .. But the time taken to brown the edge is 5-7 mins .. Is that fine ??

      Reply
    47. nalini g

      April 11, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Hi sharmi.. I have a doubt here.. After preheating the oven in toast mode .. Should it be changed to bake mode while baking the cookies ?? I also own a Morphy Richards OTG and I learnt from ur oven description blog that you choose toast mode to preheat .. So am a bit confused

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        April 20, 2016 at 2:29 am

        Yes toast mode to preheat and bake mode to bake

        Reply
    48. Manju Swamy

      May 22, 2016 at 11:44 am

      Hi.. Could u please tell me how to make this in microwave?

      Reply
    49. Adesara Sweta

      August 01, 2016 at 10:39 am

      can we add cocoa powder in it? as my sis loves choc flavour..

      Reply
    50. Kavi

      April 25, 2018 at 2:17 pm

      Hey Sharmi! To make the chocolate glazed version, should the baked cookies be dipped in melted chocolate and then refrigerated?

      Reply
      • Sharmilee J

        April 26, 2018 at 9:02 am

        yesyes cool down the cookies completely then glaze the cookies, you can spoon the choc sauce or dip it.

        Reply
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