shortbread cookie recipe ina garten

Shortbread Cookie Recipe

This shortbread cookie recipe is crisp, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Made with just a handful of simple pantry ingredients, these cookies come together quickly and keep well for weeks. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a classic treat, this is truly one of the best shortbread cookie recipe options you’ll ever try. Perfect with tea or coffee, these cookies are simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable.

shortbread cookie recipe
shortbread cookie recipe

Ingredients

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  • Add confectioners’ sugar (and salt if using). Mix until fully combined.
  • Scrape down the bowl and add flour. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangular log (brick shape). Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour, until firm.
  • Slice dough into 1/2-inch thick pieces and place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  • Use a fork or skewer to gently press a decorative pattern on top.
  • Bake for about 10–12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
  • Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
shortbread cookie recipe allrecipes
shortbread cookie recipe allrecipes

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)
Servings: 16 cookies
Calories: Approximately 168 per cookie

Variations & Flavor Ideas

  • Scottish Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Skip vanilla and press dough into a round pan before slicing into wedges.
  • Shortbread Cookie Recipe 3 Ingredients: Use butter, sugar, and flour only for a super simple version.
  • Shortbread Cookie Recipe with Cornstarch: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cornstarch for extra tenderness (similar to a whipped shortbread cookie recipe).
  • Lemon Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for bright flavor.
  • Chocolate Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Mix in cocoa powder or dip baked cookies in melted chocolate.
  • Pecan Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Fold in finely chopped toasted pecans.
  • Shortbread Cookie Recipe with Jam: Press a thumbprint into the center and fill with jam before baking.
  • Shortbread Cookie Recipe for Cookie Cutters: Roll dough 1/4-inch thick and cut into shapes for holidays.
  • Gluten Free Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Shortbread Cookie Recipe Christmas Style: Add festive sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate.

Helpful Tips

  • Dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • If using salted butter, omit the added salt.
  • For extra crisp cookies, bake until edges turn lightly golden.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.