Classic Butter Shortbread Cookies

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Simple, crumbly, and buttery—these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a timeless treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butter Shortbread Cookies are the epitome of simplicity and elegance. With just 4 basic ingredients, they bake into delicate, sandy-textured biscuits that are perfect with tea, coffee, or as a blank canvas for dips and toppings. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornflour gives them their signature tender crumble, while the pure butter flavor shines through.

Ingredients

  • 150g (5.3oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 75g (2.6oz) granulated sugar
  • 150g (5.3oz) all-purpose flour
  • 75g (2.6oz) cornflour (cornstarch)
  • Pinch of salt

(Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or zest of 1 lemon for variation)

Instructions

1. Cream Butter & Sugar

  1. In a bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add Dry Ingredients

  1. Sift in flour, cornflour, and salt.
  2. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overwork the dough).

3. Shape the Dough

  1. Roll dough into a log (about 5cm/2in diameter) or press into a lined baking pan.
  2. Chill for 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes) to firm up.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Slice log into 1cm (½in) thick rounds or score pan-marked dough into fingers.
  3. Bake for 18–20 minutes until pale golden (edges should be lightly golden).

5. Cool & Serve

  • Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
  • Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for Perfect Shortbread

✔ Use room-temperature butter for even mixing.
✔ Undermix the dough—just until combined for a tender texture.
✔ Low and slow baking prevents browning too quickly.
✔ Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Serving Suggestions

  • With lemon curd or jam for dipping
  • Alongside dark chocolate ganache
  • As a base for strawberry shortcake stacks

Final Thoughts

These Butter Shortbread Cookies are a classic for a reason—minimal effort, maximum reward. Their delicate, buttery richness makes them endlessly versatile, whether enjoyed plain or dressed up.

Perfect for gifting, holidays, or a quiet moment with tea. ☕

Variation: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or dip half in melted chocolate for flair!

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