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Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

When I think of classic shortbread cookies, I’m transported to my grandmother's kitchen. The smell of warm butter and sugar fills the air, creating an atmosphere of cozy comfort. Growing up, those cookies were a staple at family gatherings.
 They'd often disappear before we could grasp the depth of their flavor. Shortbread isn't just a cookie; it's a tradition, a connection to simpler times. Today, I’ll share how to create these delightful treats that resonate with taste and nostalgia.
So, why should you spend your time making classic shortbread? 
Well, let’s delve deeper into the charm of these cookies, their easy preparation, and the joy they can bring to any occasion. Trust me, once you taste these buttery delights, you’ll be hooked.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 147

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons finely ground sea salt
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 pound of chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. First, assemble all your ingredients. Make sure the butter is chilled. Pre-measure everything so that it’s ready to go. This helps streamline the process and keeps things tidy.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the chilled unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter for about 2-3 minutes until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and confectioners' sugar. Beat until the mixture appears light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes. It should look luscious.
Step 3: Add the Extracts and Mix
  1. Now it’s time to introduce the flavor! Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat just until combined; you want the mixture to hold air but not be overmixed.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Salt
  1. Sift the flour and salt together into the creamed mixture. Gently fold the flour into the butter mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. This requires a bit of care; you want to avoid overworking the dough. The final mixture should come together like a shaggy dough.
Step 5: Form the Dough
  1. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a log about 3 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 48 hours. This resting period solidifies the butter, making the cookies easier to slice later.
Step 6: Preheat Your Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper while waiting for the oven to warm up.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
  1. Once the dough has chilled, unwrap the logs. Using a sharp knife, slice them into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Step 8: Bake
  1. Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the perfect cookies should be set but barely brown on top.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
  1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely. Now, enjoy with that perfect cup of tea or coffee!

Notes

  • Use Cold Butter: Always start with chilled butter. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Avoid packing the flour into your measuring cup. Use the spoon and level method to get an accurate measurement.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap extracts! Lemon or orange zest can give a bright twist.
  • Store in an Airtight Container: This keeps your cookies fresh and tasty for a longer time.