Description
Deliciously buttery and tender shortbread cookies made with a simple blend of salted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla or almond extract, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch. These classic cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for any occasion or as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature, 8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (65 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract (10 grams)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (195 grams)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (65 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla or almond extract and mix again until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until the flour and cornstarch are fully incorporated, being careful not to overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
- Shape Dough: Use your hands to gather the dough into a ball. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness, preparing it for cutting.
- Cut Cookies and Chill: Use cookie cutters to create shapes or a knife to cut the dough into rectangles or squares. Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 325ºF (163ºC). Bake the chilled cookies for 18-20 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden around the edges. Adjust time based on cookie size to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Room temperature butter helps cream with sugar for better texture.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it prevents spreading and helps cookies keep their shape.
- Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to avoid sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shortbread cookies, buttery cookies, classic cookies, vanilla cookies, almond extract cookies, simple cookie recipe, homemade cookies, dessert
