Classic Shortbread Cookies (Perfect Every Time!)

Buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these Shortbread Cookies are a timeless favorite for good reason. With just 4 simple ingredients, this no-fail recipe delivers the perfect balance of rich, crumbly texture and delicate sweetness. Ideal for tea time, holiday gifting, or your bakery lineup—they’re a crowd-pleaser every time!

Why This Recipe Works

Only 4 ingredients – Butter, sugar, flour, and salt. That’s it!
No eggs, no leavening – Pure shortbread perfection.
Tender & crumbly – Baked low and slow for the perfect texture.
Endlessly adaptable – Add citrus zest, dip in chocolate, or keep it classic.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (4 sticks) salted butter, softened (or unsalted butter + ½ tsp salt)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Rolling pin (Joseph Joseph or classic)
• Parchment or wax paper
• Cookie cutters (if shaping)
• Baking sheets

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (~3–4 minutes).

2. Add Dry Ingredients

• Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined. The dough should pull away from the bowl’s sides.

3. Roll & Cut

• Place dough between two sheets of parchment/wax paper. Roll to ¼-inch thickness (no extra flour needed!).
• Cut into shapes or squares. Re-roll scraps without overworking.

4. Bake Low & Slow

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, until edges are lightly golden (centers should stay pale).
• Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Optional Lemon Glaze

• Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or dip cooled cookies.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shortbread

Use cold butter? No! Room temp butter creams best for that tender crumb.
Don’t overmix – Stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Bake until just golden – Overbaking = dry cookies.
Want crisp edges? Prick dough with a fork before baking.

Flavor Variations

• Citrus: Add 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest to the dough.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Melt dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie.
• Earl Grey: Steep 1 tbsp loose tea in warmed butter, then strain.
• Almond: Replace ¼ cup flour with almond flour.

Storage & Freezing

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks.
• Freeze baked cookies: Up to 3 months (thaw at room temp).
• Freeze dough: Wrap tightly in parchment; thaw before rolling.

FAQ

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes! Just add ½ tsp salt total.

Why 300°F? Isn’t that low?
Yes! Slow baking keeps them tender, not crispy.

My dough is crumbly!
Press it together with your hands—it’ll come together.

Serving Suggestions

With tea or coffee – A classic pairing.
Gift in a tin – Tie with ribbon for a heartfelt present.
Sandwich with jam – For a Linzer-style twist!

Final Thoughts

This foolproof shortbread is a bakery-worthy staple—simple, elegant, and always delicious. Whether glazed, dipped, or plain, these cookies are sure to impress.

Happy baking! Let me know how yours turns out.

More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:

• 4-Ingredient Heath Toffee Cookies – A sweet and crunchy treat that’s ready in no time!
• Fruity Pebbles Cookies – Fun, colorful, and perfect for dessert lovers.
• TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
• TikTok Potato Bake

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