Easy Shortbread Cookies

Name: Easy Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

65 Ratings

74 Comments

Shortbread cookies scattered on baking rack and plate

Prep 25 min
Total 1 hr 30 min
Servings 4

When it comes to our favorite holiday cookies, sometimes less is more and our easy shortbread cookies prove it. Less ingredients—these cookies only have four—and less work. Just mix the batter, cut out your cookies and bake. Come to think of it, their flavors are simple, too. Each batch will be buttery-sweet with that light, crumbly texture no easy shortbread cookie should be without. MORE+ LESS-

By TBSP Kitchens

Updated October 4, 2019

Ingredients

cup butter, softened

3/4

cup powdered sugar

teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2

cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 350° F. In large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and vanilla with spoon. Stir in flour. (If dough is crumbly, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened.)
2

Roll dough 1/2 inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into small shapes by hand or use cookie cutters. Place 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3

Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until set and bottoms are light golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Expert Tips

For best results in this recipe, use softened butter. To soften butter, leave at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. A faster method is to microwave butter in 5 second intervals at 50% (medium) power turning the butter frequently so butter is softened but not melted.
The dough for these cookies won’t spread during baking, but you’ll know they’re done when they’re set on the edges and lightly golden brown.
For even more buttery flavor, pair this shortbread cookie recipe with our easy buttercream frosting recipe.
With these cookies, the possibilities are endless. Dip or drizzle in melted chocolate or caramel sauce or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Shortbread cookies can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the freezer for up to twelve months. Thaw covered, in container at room temperature 1 to 2 hours.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 70
Calories from Fat: 35

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 4g; 6%
Saturated Fat 2 1/2g 12% Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg; 3%
Sodium: 30mg; 1%
Potassium: 10mg; 0%
Total Carbohydrate: 7g; 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Sugars 2g
Protein: 0g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 2%; 2%
Vitamin C: 0%; 0%
Calcium: 0%; 0%
Iron: 0%; 0%

Exchanges:

0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 1 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

You know what the greatest thing is about shortbread cookies? They’re, like, half butter. Right off the bat, you’ve got a recipe for success. After butter, you just need three more ingredients: powdered sugar, vanilla and flour. You probably have those ingredients in your kitchen at this very moment (something that would come in handy when you’re crazy busy around the holiday season). These cookies are sweet and simple and taste perfect just as they are, but if you did want to add any other ingredients, a little orange zest would be lovely.