Irresistible Shortbread Cookies
Golden on the outside and soft on the inside, these shortbread cookies have a classic buttery flavor that can be dressed up for any celebration.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227 g), at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar (100 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the flour and salt. Mix well with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until all ingredients are fully incorporated and a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 40 minutes to chill and firm up slightly.
Shaping the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out shapes from the dough. Place the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freezing and Baking:
- Place the baking sheet with the cookies in the freezer for 5 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is soft but not melted. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix well with the sugar, and if it’s too warm, the cookies might spread too much during baking.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for the cookies to hold their shape and not spread too much while baking. If possible, chill the dough for more than 40 minutes, or even overnight, for better results.
- Roll Evenly: Use rolling guides or sticks to ensure the dough is rolled out to an even thickness. This will help all the cookies bake evenly.
- Freeze Before Baking: Freezing the cut cookies for a few minutes before baking helps maintain their defined shapes and prevents them from spreading in the oven.
- Precise Baking: Watch the cookies closely while they bake. The edges should be slightly golden, but the centers should remain pale to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Customize Flavors: You can add a pinch of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy touch. You can also experiment with other extracts, such as almond or lavender, to vary the flavor.
- Simple Decoration: These cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or melted chocolate. You can also sprinkle them with sugar or sea salt before baking for a special touch.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crisp. They can last up to a week at room temperature or longer if you freeze them.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 189IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.3mg
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