Basic Shortbread Cookies – Simple and Delicious

This recipe is from my Feb. 2, 2021 blog post Shortbread Cookies For Valentine’s Day. Click here to read the full post…

Whether you want your shortbread cookies classic or gluten-free, this recipe will be a favorite. If you like the basics, make sure to check out my book “Shortbread: My Favorite Cookies”, available on Amazon in print or download versions.

Print

Recipe: Basic Shortbread Cookies

shortbread cookies for Valentine's Day

This recipe is great on it’s own, or a fantastic jumping off point for shortbread cookie variations. If you like this recipe, then please consider purchasing my book, Shortbread: My Favorite Cookie. You’ll find lots of delicious recipes.

  • Author: Dorothy Calimeris
  • Prep Time: 2.5 hours
  • Cook Time: 16
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 14 cookies 1x
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Classic Dessert

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 oz butter, room temperature

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup flour (or gluten free flour)

pinch salt

Instructions

In a medium bowl combine the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt and mix until it forms a soft dough (I use my hands, but a mixer with a flat paddle works too).

Remove from the bowl and shape into a log about 1-1/2″-2″ in diameter and wrap on waxed paper and refrigerate for about 2 hours so that it’s firm when you slice it.

Cut into 1/3″ slices and place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350F oven until golden around the edges, about 16 minutes.

Notes

If you’d like to cut shapes out of the dough, place some sugar on a work surface.  Skip the rolling in a log step, turn the dough out onto the sugared board.  Flatten with your hands, lightly flour them if the dough sticks.  Use a rolling pin (floured if necessary) and roll 1/4″ thick.  Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes.  Carefully invert the cookies onto the lined sheet pan so that the sugared side is up.  Bake as recommended above. Cool the cookies completely before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 107
  • Sugar: 4.2g
  • Sodium: 47mg
  • Fat: 6.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.1g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 17mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo on social media, and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!