Shortbread is a classic cookie that is simple to make with just three ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners and requires no special skills. With butter, sugar, and flour, you can create a delicious cookie in minutes. Enjoy it with tea, coffee, or as a quick snack.
I have a special fondness for simple recipes that require just a few ingredients, and this one is a gem. It draws inspiration from my most popular recipe, 3 Ingredients Shortbread Cookies, on my YouTube channel. What I particularly adore about this recipe is that you don't need to roll or shape the cookies.
Ingredients
- Butter- You will need room temperature softened salted butter. The buttery taste is what makes shortbread so distinct and enjoyable.
- Powdered Sugar- Powdered sugar tends to dissolve more easily into the dough, creating a smoother texture compared to granulated sugar. It contributes to a more delicate and melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- All-Purpose flour- Flour serves as the backbone of shortbread cookies. Using the right type of flour and accurately measuring it ensures the perfect balance, resulting in that delightful melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Prepare the Butter: In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, cream the butter until it's smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Mix it well until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes fluffy.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix it gently until the dough comes together. It might seem crumbly at first, but continue mixing until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough: Take an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. Transfer the shortbread dough into the prepared pan, using slightly wet hands to press the dough evenly into the pan to create a smooth surface.
- Shape into Rectangles and Pierce: Using a knife or a pastry cutter, score the dough into desired rectangle shapes. Then, using a fork, gently pierce the surface of each rectangle to create small holes or designs.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the shortbread for 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the shortbread out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut along the scored lines to separate the rectangles while the shortbread is still slightly warm.
- Final Cooling: Allow the shortbread cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
FAQS
Yes, if you are using unsalted butter make sure to add ¼ teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor.
Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can lead to crumbly cookies. Be cautious not to overwork the dough and measure the flour accurately.
Absolutely! Once the cookies are cooled, you can drizzle them with melted chocolate, sprinkle powdered sugar, or decorate with icing to add extra flair.
Butter is typically preferred for its flavor and texture in shortbread. Margarine might alter the taste and texture but can be used as a substitute.
Absolutely! Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters for various shapes. Ensure the dough is chilled for easier handling.
Adjust the baking time; a shorter time will result in softer cookies. Be cautious not to overbake them to retain their tender texture.
Enhancing Flavor and Variety
- Vanilla Extract: Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for a subtle aromatic flavor that complements the buttery richness.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate zest from lemons, oranges, or limes for a refreshing twist. Ensure it's finely grated to disperse evenly in the dough.
- Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, to add texture and flavor variation.
More 3 ingredients cookies to try
Recipe video
📖 Recipe
3 ingredients easy shortbread recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup(2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Take an 8x8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula, cream the butter until it's smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Mix it well until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes fluffy
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix it gently until the dough comes together. It might seem crumbly at first, but continue mixing until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Transfer the shortbread dough into the prepared pan, using slightly wet hands to press the dough evenly into the pan to create a smooth surface.
- Using a knife or a pastry cutter, score the dough into desired rectangle shapes. Then, using a fork, gently pierce the surface of each rectangle to create small holes or designs.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the shortbread for 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the shortbread out of the pan onto a cutting board. Cut along the scored lines to separate the rectangles while the shortbread is still slightly warm.
- Allow the shortbread cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Video
Amanda says
First, they’re just called shortbread, or when they’re cut long and thin, shortbread fingers. Second, they are usually made with castor sugar, which is a sugar in between the usual granulated and powdered. If you can’t find it, toss sugar in the food processor until it is the right consistency. Try it, and you’ll be surprised at the fabulous texture of your shortbread.
Samantha says
I made these they are so good and I'm glad they are easy to make.
Hannah says
This is my favorite recipe because I don't want eggs in my cookies.