Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These classic Shortbread Cookies are rich, buttery, tender, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, they're one of the easiest and most elegant cookies you'll ever bake.

Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, afternoon tea, holiday gifts, and year-round baking.

The Origins of Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread originated in Scotland during the 12th century and became especially popular during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots in the 1500s.

Traditional Scottish shortbread was made using only three ingredients:

• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour

The high butter content creates the signature crumbly texture that made shortbread famous around the world.

Today, shortbread remains one of the most beloved holiday cookies and is often enjoyed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

• Rich buttery flavor
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Simple ingredients
• Perfect holiday cookie
• Great for gifting

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

• Sanding sugar
• Melted chocolate
• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Add vanilla.

Step 3

Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Roll dough to ½-inch thickness.

Cut into rectangles, circles, or holiday shapes.

Step 5

Place on baking sheets.

Chill for 20 minutes.

Step 6

Bake for 14-16 minutes.

Edges should remain very light golden.

Step 7

Allow cookies to cool completely.

Decorate with chocolate drizzle if desired.

What Makes Shortbread Different?

Unlike most cookies, shortbread contains:

• No baking soda
• No baking powder

The high butter content creates its signature tender crumb.

What to Serve With Shortbread Cookies

• Hot Tea
• Coffee
• Hot Chocolate
• Eggnog
• Christmas Punch

Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

More Holiday Cookies You'll Love

• Thumbprint Cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Gingerbread Cookies
• Christmas Sugar Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Snowball Cookies
• Molasses Cookies
• Linzer Cookies

Final Thoughts

These buttery Shortbread Cookies are simple, elegant, and timeless. Whether served plain or decorated with chocolate, they're a holiday baking essential.